Head of news at Australia’s national broadcaster quits

The head of news for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has announced he’s resigned

Gaven Morris has been the ABC’s Director of News, Analysis & Investigations since October 2015.

He will leave the broadcaster once his contract expires and a replacement is found.

Prior to that he set up the ABC’s 24 hour domestic news channel. He began working for the national broadcaster when he was in his 20s. He has worked there in three separate stints.

Morris has also worked for CNN and Al Jazeera.

ABC managing director David Anderson paid tribute to Mr Morris’ contribution.

“Gaven’s departure is a big loss for the ABC,” Mr Anderson wrote.

“As the very best leaders do, he has always led by example, with a huge work ethic, absolute integrity, fearless independence and a lot of courage.”

“His strategic vision and boundless drive and energy have been integral to a string of achievements, including leading the 2010 launch of the ABC NEWS Channel; spearheading ABC News’s rise to digital excellence; creating the journalistic powerhouses of ABC Investigations and the Specialist Reporting Team; fostering News’s culture of diversity and inclusion; and driving the strategy to make News’s content and services more relevant to all Australians.”

Mr Morris emailed staff:

“To have had the opportunity to lead ABC News is a personal and career highlight,” he said. “It’s without doubt a challenging job, but also fulfilling and worthwhile. I’ve given it my all.”

ABC News controversy

It comes as ABC News faces pressure over a recent TV crime and podcast series about a 1975 disappearance.

Reports emerged this week that senior figures at the ABC were frustrated over the organisation’s editorial checks and balances.

Last month, an independent review of another ABC News investigation regarding Sydney’s Luna Park found the program was misleading.

More to come.