ABC News boss steps down
ABC's Director of News and Current Affairs, John Cameron, will step down at Easter after five years in the role.
- Published by David Knox
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John Cameron, the ABC’s national director of news and current affairs for the last five years, has resigned.
Cameron, who has been with the network for 25 years, advised staff of his decision in an email sent out today.
“(ABC managing director) Mark Scott has been good enough to let me take my long service leave, and it’s possible there will be other ABC options for me in a few months,” he wrote.
“After five years in the job, and the previous four as national editor, I feel it’s time for a change.
“The ABC News brand is one of the biggest and best in world broadcasting. I’m confident it will continue to prosper under new leadership.”
Mr Scott said he tried to persuade Cameron to stay, but he would leave the position at Easter.
“After nearly a decade at the top of his profession and 25 years at the ABC, the promise of more New Zealand fishing trips, fewer late night and pre-dawn phone calls, and no management meetings, finally held too much sway,” Scott wrote.
Cameron was appointed to the ABC’s most senior editorial role in 2004 after a stint as acting director and four years as national editor, another senior leadership role.
He joined the ABC in 1984 after working in newspapers and commercial radio for 12 years. During his time at the ABC he was a correspondent and bureau chief in Washington as well as head of news and current affairs in Queensland and Victoria.
Cameron said he would take long service leave but had not left the broadcaster.
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4 Responses
I can remeber the theme and when I think about it, it was quite stirring! Really dramatic. Will have to dig it out of youtube.
Lex, your comment re the old ABC News theme prompted me to go onto youtube and find the theme. When I found it and listened to it again, it brought back a flood a memories. I absolutely 100% agree with you – that was the most powerful news theme on Australian television. ABC should indeed bring it back!
John Cameron was obviously very good given the quality of ABC News.
However, I hope whoever the new director will be will relaunch the bulletin with new graphics and bring back the 1985-2005 theme!
That was the most recognizable, epic and exciting news theme Australia’s ever known, the current theme isn’t bad, just not as good as that one which demanded attention! They need to bring it back!!!
Job well done John: many thanks. Please don’t leave the news industry, we need folks like you in there to counteract the deadset losers in the commercial networks