Simon Robinson appointed ABC news director, joins in September

Simon Robinson has been appointed ABC news director and will join the broadcaster in September, after Justin Stevens resigned abruptly from the role. Robinson, a top news executive from, takes over responsibility for ABC News at a time when the broadcaster is moving to replace its leadership.

The news director oversees 2,000 journalists across the country. Hugh Marks, the ABC managing director, said Stevens’ resignation came after a meeting about a very serious matter and said Stevens felt it was time to move on.

Hugh Marks Senate estimates

Marks would not confirm or deny at Senate estimates that he threatened to terminate Stevens if he did not resign. Sarah Henderson pressed the issue on Thursday, and Marks replied: “I don’t make threats, senator,” and said there were only two, possibly three, people at the meeting.

He also said, “It is an opportunity for us to move forward and look at a refreshed and rejuvenated output as we work out what you know the future of the ABC is,” linking the leadership change to a broader reset at the broadcaster.

Justin Stevens resignation

Stevens resigned on Wednesday after four years in the role, and his resignation took effect immediately. Marks said Stevens cited personal and professional reasons, and added that Stevens felt it was the right time for him to move on and pursue other careers.

That sequence leaves the ABC with a named successor but not an immediate handover. Robinson’s appointment is in place now, while his arrival in September sets the point when the broadcaster’s news leadership will formally change hands.

Simon Robinson September start

Robinson said after the appointment was announced: “As a passionate believer in the power of fact-based, independent journalism, I believe the ABC plays a pivotal role in providing Australians with the reliable reporting we all need,” a statement that frames the role he is about to take on. For ABC staff, the practical change is clear: the organization has moved from an abrupt resignation to a scheduled replacement, with the incoming news director due later this year.