Four Corners executive producer to depart ABC

Executive Producer of Four Corners, Sally Neighbour will leave ABC later this year after a 7 year run leading the current affairs program.

Neighbour reported for Four Corners from 1996 to 2009 before becoming Executive Producer of 7:30 in 2012. She returned to Four Corners in 2015.

She has also undertaken overseas postings in Beijing and Hong Kong and presented Lateline

“It’s been an extraordinary honour and privilege to lead this amazing program for the past seven years and to work with the fearless, dedicated team of journalists and program makers who keep it at the forefront of Australian journalism,” she said.

“I have absolutely loved the role and the people I work with and I want to thank them all for their tireless commitment to holding power to account in this country and abroad.

“I know Four Corners is safe and strong in their hands. For me, it’s time for a long holiday and some new adventures.”

ABC Managing Director David Anderson said, “Sally Neighbour’s career, both as an award-winning reporter and as Executive Producer of Four Corners, stands as an exceptional contribution to Australian journalism.

“She has led a ground-breaking team of journalists at Four Corners and under her leadership the program has delivered some of the most important public interest investigations of recent years. I would like to congratulate her on all of her achievements.”

Acting Director News Gavin Fang added, “Four Corners has for 60 years been Australia’s premier investigative reporting program and Sally Neighbour has played a key role in that achievement.

“She has brought to the public hundreds of important and compelling stories which have had a significant impact on this nation.

“She has been a warrior of public interest journalism, fearless in holding the powerful to account on behalf of the Australian public.

John Lyons, Head of Investigative & In-Depth Journalism added, “During her seven years as Executive Producer of Four Corners Sally Neighbour has been a powerful advocate of investigative journalism.

“Under Sally’s tenure the program has exposed injustices across the Australian community. During her time, four Royal Commissions were called following investigations by the program – into the banking and financial services industry, water theft in the Murray Darling Basin, the aged care industry and the NT’s youth justice system. Under Sally’s leadership the program has won a remarkable 17 Walkley Awards.

“After 60 years, Four Corners is the longest-running current affairs program on Australian television. Sally has ensured that after six decades it is as committed as it ever has been in its determination to inform the Australian public.’

While there have also been headlines surrounding Four Corners friction with government, and Neighbour attracting attention over tweets, the announcement is the latest change with ABC News department.

ABC is yet to appoint its next news boss following the departure of Gaven Morris, while Leigh Sales will finish at 7:30 in June but remain at ABC.

A replacement for Neighbour is yet to be announced.