ABC appoints new executive producers for Four Corners and Insiders
The ABC has appointed Joel Tozer as Executive Producer of Four Corners and Chris Bendall as Executive Producer of Insiders, following a period of strong audience performance for both programs.
Four Corners will mark its 65th year with Tozer leading the team. According to the broadcaster, the program’s 2025 childcare investigation Betrayal of Trust received multiple Walkley Awards and a Logie. The series averaged 952,000 viewers, while Hammered: Inside the Bunnings Machine drew 1.6 million.
Insiders, described by the ABC as “required viewing for anyone interested in politics,” also recorded one of its strongest years, averaging 687,000 viewers in 2025, up 7 per cent year-on-year. Its post-election special reached 1.4 million viewers.
Tozer has served as Executive Producer of 7.30 since mid-2022, working with presenter Sarah Ferguson. The ABC said the program lifted its audience by 10 per cent this year to 853,000. His previous work at Nine’s 60 Minutes included several award-winning investigations. He replaces Matthew Carney, who announced his departure after 25 years with the ABC.
The ABC will begin recruitment shortly for the 7.30 Executive Producer role. Tozer will continue to report to Head, Investigations and Current Affairs Jo Puccini.
Joel Tozer said.
“The Four Corners team delivers outstanding journalism and it’s a privilege to step into a role shaped by such talent.
Leading the program in 2026 is an extraordinary opportunity and I’m excited to guide a team committed to journalism that truly moves the national conversation.”
Jo Puccini said.
“I’ve greatly enjoyed working with Joel while he has been at 7.30, where he has demonstrated exceptional editorial leadership and integrity.
I look forward to continuing our collaboration and seeing the outstanding work he will deliver in this new role.”
Bendall joins the ABC after more than 20 years in broadcast news and current affairs. He spent the past decade on Ten’s The Project, including five years as Executive Producer. At Insiders, he will work closely with presenter and National Political Lead David Speers.
Chris Bendall said.
“Political coverage has always been an important part of my career. Providing information and understanding of the issues guiding the lives of Australians is an incredible responsibility.
For anyone interested in Australian politics, Insiders has always been appointment viewing.
It delivers the insight that viewers demand with the impartiality, balance and fairness they rightfully expect, and it does it all with a healthy dose of irreverence.
I’m excited to be joining a program that has such a proud legacy and future, at a time when trusted political analysis has never been more essential.”
ABC Director, News Justin Stevens said.
“Joel Tozer and Chris Bendall are experienced and formidably talented editorial leaders who will continue to take these important programs into their next chapters.
Across the national Investigative Reporting Team, the State and Territory News Investigations Team and teams such as Four Corners, 7.30, Background Briefing, the Specialist Reporting Team and ABC News Verify, the ABC’s dedicated investigative journalism has never been stronger.
With programs such as Insiders, 7.30 and Afternoon Briefing, as well as the Canberra Parliament House team, state newsrooms, Stateline and other expert contributors, our coverage and analysis across all platforms of politics, policy and the issues that matter to Australians at the local and national level is also the best it has ever been.
I’m excited about what ABC News will continue to achieve in our investigative and political coverage in 2026.”
