ABC NEWS has announced the appointment of Suzanne Dredge to the new role of head, Indigenous News.
Dredge, who is a Wiradjuri woman and an award-winning journalist, will build and lead a stand-alone Indigenous Reporting Team with a remit to expand and amplify the coverage of Indigenous Affairs across ABC’s news teams.
Dredge said of her appointment: “It is a privilege to lead the ABC’s Indigenous Affairs coverage at such an important time for truth-telling in our country.
“The media plays an important role commissioning and reporting stories that contribute to our views of the world, which is why First Nations people need to be part of the storytelling and decision-making at a senior level.
“In the ABC’s 90-year history there has been no First Nations staff member on the News Executive team. Until now. I am proud to be part of the change.”
ABC Indigenous Affairs editor Bridget Brennan will be a key member of the new Indigenous Reporting Team.
Brennan said: “Suzanne is one of the most gifted journalists and editorial leaders I’ve ever worked with. She’s a fearless investigator and she cares deeply about uncovering systemic injustices here in Australia, and across the globe.
“As a Wiradjuri woman she has an innate understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and stories. This is an historic appointment and ABC Indigenous staff are so proud of her.”
ABC director, news Justin Stevens said creating the role and the new team was a natural next step for the ABC in providing the deepest, best-informed and most multi-faceted coverage of Indigenous Affairs.
“The upcoming referendum is a crucial moment for us to get this right and Suzanne Dredge and the Indigenous Reporting Team will be pivotal,” he said.
“It creates a framework for our Indigenous journalists to guide us in how best to give Indigenous people a voice in our journalism. And it helps ensure the ABC’s coverage of Indigenous communities and issues is constructive, accurate and representative.
“This team will also provide a touch point for all Indigenous journalists, helping the ABC attract and retain the best talent in Australian media.”
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Top image: Suzanne Dredge