The ABC has announced Gavin Fang’s advancement to the esteemed Editorial Director role.
Gavin Fang, who has dedicated over two decades to journalism, will inherit the reins from Judith Whelan in late January 2024, following a trajectory that saw him rise from the Western Australian newspaper sector to ABC’s Perth newsroom in 2000.
As a seasoned journalist, Fang‘s expertise was honed through various critical positions within the ABC, including stints as a foreign correspondent in Jakarta and at the helm as Executive Producer at the Asia Pacific News Centre. His leadership has been evident in roles such as ABC News Planning Editor, Managing Editor Coverage, and Head Network and Newsgathering before his 2022 promotion to Deputy Director News.
The appointment speaks volumes of Fang‘s stature within the ABC ranks, where he has been instrumental in pioneering the “More Relevant to More Australians News” strategy and the “One Sport” strategy, which paved the way for a dedicated sports vertical. His commitment to diversity is reflected in his role as ABC News Diversity Lead, spearheading diversity and inclusion initiatives, and his participation on the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee.
ABC Managing Director David Anderson extolled Fang for his extensive experience and leadership qualities. “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,” said Anderson.
“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,”
continued Anderson, also acknowledging Simon Melkman for his stewardship as Acting Editorial Director.
Reflecting on his appointment, Fang embraced the responsibility with reverence and aspiration.
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with a role helping to ensure the ABC remains Australia’s most trusted media organisation,” he remarked.
“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‘s credentials, including his pioneering of the ABC’s editorial strategies and his commitment to diversity, position him as a transformative leader poised to maintain ABC’s reputation for journalistic excellence in a changing media landscape.
