John Lyons, currently associate editor (digital content) at The Australian, is to join ABC News as head investigative and in-depth journalism.
He will lead the current affairs teams and programs across broadcast and digital, including 7.30, Australian Story, Four Corners, Q&A, Insiders, Offsiders, Lateline, Foreign Correspondent, Behind the News, AM, PM, The World Today and Correspondents Report, as well as finding the best ways to deliver the ABC’s investigative and long-form content to new audiences.
A three-time Walkley Award-winner, Lyons’ previous roles include being the editor of The Sydney Morning Herald, executive producer of the Nine Network’s Sunday program and a foreign correspondent in Washington, New York and Jerusalem.
Lyons said: “After ten great years at The Australian, I’m delighted to be joining the ABC in this important role at a time when independent public interest journalism is more vital than ever.
“With people increasingly getting their news and information through different means, it is crucial we are able to present strong investigative journalism on digital platforms. The ABC is committed both to investigative journalism and to telling stories in ways relevant to a changing society.”
Lyons takes over from Bruce Belsham, who held the role (previously called head of current affairs).