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ABC News editorial director Craig McMurtrie quits

"It's time to dial down the work hours and step away." Craig McMurtrie to depart ABC after more than 3 decades.

ABC News Editorial Director Craig McMurtrie has resigned.

“After more than 30 years at the ABC and over a decade in NZ public broadcasting before that, I’ve decided it’s time to dial down the work hours and step away, before I start to get mouldy,” he wrote in a note to staff.

McMurtrie became Editorial Director in 2019, succeeding Alan Sunderland, having been Deputy News Director and ABC Head of Newsgathering. He joined ABC in 1991 working in daily news and current affairs based in Sydney, with two stints in the Canberra Press Gallery, and more than five years as Parliament House Bureau Chief.

“I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had – as a reporter in the Sydney newsroom, on state-based 7.30, as a national correspondent, in the frenetic Canberra Parliament House bureau, on postings to Washington, as a member of the News executive, and as part of the ABC leadership team,” he continued.

“From field and studio crews, to video editors, researchers, archivists, reporters, presenters, producers, subs, graphics artists, executive producers, planners, news editors, techs, schedulers, lawyers, support staff, fixers, managers and so many more colleagues across the organisation – thanks to every generous soul who lifted me up each day.

“It has been a pleasure to work alongside workmates who are creative, dedicated, caring and courageous public servants; and for an organisation capable of making a real difference in people’s lives.

“Particular thanks to the editorial policy advisors, classifiers and editorial complaint investigators. You are an extraordinary brains trust and have taught me so much these last few years.”

During his time as Editorial Director, ABC was the subject of an Australian Federal Police raid, and an ABC Ombudsman appointed to oversee a revamped ABC complaints system.

McMurtrie has also been part of many ABC grillings at Senate Estimates in Canberra.

“Thank you to my fellow directors on the executive management team and to the ABC’s leaders – Senate Estimates endurance champion David Anderson and the peerless Ita Buttrose,” he added.

He will finish as Editorial Director at the end of November and leave the ABC in the New Year.

In a statement, Managing Director David Anderson said, “Craig McMurtrie has made an enormous contribution to the ABC and to journalism for more than three decades.

“A highly accomplished and respected journalist, he reported from the front lines of many major news events during those years, including as the ABC’s US correspondent and Washington Bureau Chief for almost a decade.

“Craig came off the road to become one of ABC News’ most senior editorial executives, bringing his enormous talent, experience and integrity to leading news teams and shaping our coverage.

“In his most recent role as the ABC’s Editorial Director he has been integral in supporting and defending public interest journalism and ensuring what we do meets the highest standards.

“The ABC and the public owe much to his dedication and commitment over more than three decades.

“He has our deep appreciation and thanks, and our congratulations on such a distinguished career.”

2 Responses

  1. I worked with Craig in the newsroom in the 1990s and he was a really lovely person and excellent journalist. He showed that potential seniority by filling every role required in the newsroom at the time. Behind and in front of the camera. He will be missed at the ABC. Good luck to him for future ventures.

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