Justin Stevens has resigned as ABC director of news after four years in the role, citing personal and professional reasons.
ABC managing director Hugh Marks said Stevens had made an “incredible commitment” to the ABC over 19 years, including ensuring ABC News was the number one digital news provider.
“I am grateful to have seen the strength of Justin’s editorial instincts and to have observed his commitment to the ABC and audiences,” Marks said. “I wish him every success in the future.”
In a farewell email to staff, Stevens said: “There is no more complex news organisation in the country, no more scrutinised institution, and few so laden with public expectations.
“In that context, I have sought to strengthen and defend our journalism without being blind to our stumbles; to meet the state of constant change in the digital age; and to improve our culture in News to one where we hold ourselves to the same standards as we do of others in the broader community.”
Stevens’ resignation is effective immediately.
Stevens was 37 years old when he replaced Gaven Morris, who was in the role for six years.
The shock announcement comes ahead of ABC executives appearing on Thursday at a senate estimates hearing.
A former executive producer of 7.30, Stevens was appointed by former managing director David Anderson, landing the job ahead of news executive Gavin Fang and then current affairs head, John Lyons.
Stevens was responsible for the nation’s biggest news-gathering workforce: about 1,200 staff across eight capital city newsrooms, 11 international bureaux and three suburban newsrooms in Parramatta, Geelong and Ipswich.
Stevens told staff his tenure as the most senior executive in ABC News had been “incredibly tough but immensely rewarding”.
“Having said that, for reasons both professional and personal, now is the right time for me to move on and for someone else to take over the helm of the best news team in the country,” he said.
He listed the launch of ABC News Loop on third-party platforms, ABC News Verify, Indigenous and climate reporting and the return of the China correspondent as significant milestones.
“Our regional journalism is superb and unparalleled and our regional teams are now more central to our national daily news conversation than ever before,” he said.
“Your work is resonating with the public. We are number one in digital. Our 7pm audience has grown. The News Channel is stronger than ever. Our news audio podcasts are a powerhouse. We remain the most trusted news organisation in the country.
“Our investigations have had major impacts for the public good. We increased scrutiny of state governments by building the State Investigations team and brought back Stateline.”
Marks said under Stevens, ABC News had continued to be the most trusted news brand and the number one 24-hour news channel.
“Justin has achieved this through a period of significant change and challenges across the media landscape, both internationally and in Australia,” Marks said.
“I am grateful to have seen the strength of Justin’s editorial instincts and to have observed his commitment to the ABC and audiences. I wish him every success in the future.”
Stevens has been vocal in calling out both racist and sexist abuse aimed at his staff.
In 2024 he said racist abuse aimed at former News Breakfast host Tony Armstrong was despicable. The year before he asked the media to be more responsible when reporting on the online abuse of female journalists.
Stevens said the “relentless and vile bullying Lisa Millar is subjected to on social media, particularly Twitter, is unacceptable” after the former News Breakfast host faced criticism online which was then reported on by the Daily Mail.
“She is an outstanding broadcaster and journalist and does an incredible job.”
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