‘Trailblazer for women’: Renowned journalist Judith Whelan dies aged 63
ABC executive and renowned journalist Judith Whelan is remembered as a trailblazer in the industry, after news of her passing at age 63.
After a long battle with cancer, Whelan died at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on Wednesday and leaves behind her husband Chris and two children, Sophia and Patrick.
Whelan joined the ABC in 2016 and became its editorial director in 2022. Prior to that she worked for Fairfax Media for 12 years as news director, was a Good Weekend editor and as one of the three women who’ve been editors of the Sydney Morning Herald in the publication’s history.
Her career in journalism also includes experience as a Walkley-nominated news and feature writer, senior editor and a foreign correspondent in both the Pacific and Europe.
“Judith was a terrific colleague and friend, caring deeply about the people she worked with and meeting every challenge with warmth, compassion and wit,” said ABC Managing Director David Anderson, in tribute, adding that she “always had the instincts that made her such a formidable journalist.”
“She carried with her a commitment to truth and accountability and instilled these values in those who worked with her.”
“Judith was fearless and never took a backwards step throughout her career or when faced with the cancer she has fought in recent years.”
“We have lost a great friend and journalism has lost a true fighter.”
A number of journalists have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Whelan on social media.
“Beyond heartbroken, we were cadets @smh in 1985 and have been friends ever since: Judith Whelan, former Herald editor and ABC executive, remembered as a trailblazer for women,” writes Kate McClymont on platform X.
Responding as well, Tracey Spicer said: “This is terribly sad. Judith Whelan was a true trailblazer. Vale.”
This is terribly sad.Judith Whelan was a true trailblazer.Vale. https://t.co/3la1p2cFgU— Tracey Spicer AM GAICD (@TraceySpicer) June 26, 2024
“Deeply sad to hear of Judith Whelan’s death. A great mentor and role model to me at the SMH – she was incredibly sharp, warm, rigorous and fun. The editor you most wanted to impress, and have a drink with. My heart goes out to her lovely husband and kids,” said Josephine Tovey, news editor at the Guardian Australia and former journalist with SMH.
I’m so sorry to hear about Judith Whelan @whelan60I had the pleasure of meeting her when she announced the @abcnews Carnarvon bureau was here to stay in 2022We both shared a love of flamboyant sunnies Much love to her friends, family & colleagueshttps://t.co/obwG68i1Dc— Kate Ferguson (@_KateFerguson_) June 26, 2024
“Still reeling. Judith Whelan was a close, true friend. I so admired her wit, her grit & her judgment. As my editor, her belief in my writing fueled me. She loved music, dancing, opera (esp. Rigoletto!), cooking, supping on joy. I’ll miss her,” said Dr Julia Baird.
Patricia Karvelas also paid tribute, saying: “I can’t express how heartbroken I am. Judith was whip smart, funny and kind. A true champion of women. Always encouraged me to keep going. I will miss her enormously.”
Sydney Morning Herald editor Bevan Shields said Whelan remained part of their DNA.
He told the Herald: “She was at the Herald for more than three decades and remains part of our DNA. We are heartbroken by her death.”
“She was also a trailblazer for women in media, who found her greatest satisfaction in spotting talent and helping them achieve great things — we are all the better for her leadership and love.”
The post ‘Trailblazer for women’: Renowned journalist Judith Whelan dies aged 63 appeared first on Women's Agenda.
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