The ABC has appointed Gavin Fang to the position of ABC editorial director, promoted from his current position of deputy director news.
Fang has been a journalist for more than two decades, starting in newspapers in Western Australia before joining the ABC’s Perth newsroom in 2000.
His roles at the ABC have included working as a foreign correspondent based in Jakarta, Indonesia; executive producer in the Asia Pacific News Centre; ABC News planning editor; managing editor coverage; and head network and newsgathering before being promoted to deputy director news in 2022.
Fang played a lead role in designing and implementing the More Relevant to More Australians News strategy and the One Sport strategy that established a new sport vertical.
On the appointment, ABC managing director David Anderson said that “Gavin has had a very successful career at the ABC for more than two decades and brings to the leadership team the benefit of his considerable experience as a journalist and already has a strong track record as a leader across the organisation.
“The editorial director position is crucial to maintaining the highest editorial standards expected of our journalists and content makers across all areas of the ABC and ensuring our independence and editorial integrity are always protected.
“It is an important role on the ABC’s Leadership team. Gavin will be working with the content directors, leading the editorial policies team, setting and interpreting editorial standards to provide advice, training and guidance on referred pre-published content. This role also conducts editorial reviews as required.
“Gavin has gained great respect across the ABC for initiatives he has led, including as the acting news director and acting head diversity and inclusion. His appointment is a great outcome for the ABC.
“I would also like to thank current Acting editorial director, Simon Melkman, for his exceptional work in this position. Simon’s professionalism, calm demeanour and extensive knowledge of editorial policies and standards continues to be highly valued by me and across the ABC.”
Gavin Fang said “It is a privilege to be entrusted with a role helping to ensure the ABC remains Australia’s most trusted media organisation.
“Brave, accurate, fair and independent public interest journalism and storytelling, built on the bedrock of our high editorial standards, is a critical service we provide to all Australians.
“I am excited to be given the opportunity to support all our storytellers in this vital work.”
Fang will begin as editorial director in late January 2024.
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