ABC News appointments

ABC has appointed journalist Sophie McNeill as its Middle East Correspondent based in Jerusalem.

She replaces Hayden Cooper, who returns to 7:30 after winning two Walkley Awards for his coverage of Gaza and the jailing of Al Jazeera journalists.

McNeill, who won a Walkley Award when she worked for Dateline, lived in Jerusalem and Beirut between 2006 and 2010.

She joined the ABC in 2011 on Triple J before becoming a reporter / producer on Foreign Correspondent.

ABC Head of Newsgathering Craig McMurtrie said: “Jerusalem will become a VJ bureau later this year and Sophie is exceptionally qualified for the role. Her work as a filmmaker is impressive.”

In other news Executive Producer Eric Napper has been appointed to the key role of ACT News Editor, replacing the retiring John Mulhall.

Napper has been with the ABC for more than 25 years, since first joining in 1989 as a producer / director.

Most recently he has been Editor of News Specials, responsible for special coverage including State and Federal election night broadcasts, Gough Whitlam’s memorial service, leaders’ debates, the National Apology to the Stolen Generations and ABC News 24’s inaugural launch hour.

ABC Director of News Kate Torney said: “As a long-time resident of Canberra Eric has a deep understanding of local issues and a strong commitment to strengthening quality ABC News coverage in the ACT.”