ABC appoints Joel Tozer Executive Producer of Four Corners, Chris Bendall Executive Producer of Insiders
The ABC has announced new leaders for two of its flagship current affairs programs, with Joel Tozer becoming Executive Producer of Four Corners and Chris Bendall joining the ABC as Executive Producer of Insiders.
Four Corners is entering its 65th year of delivering the best and bravest public interest journalism. In another standout year for the program, in 2025 its childcare investigation “Betrayal of Trust” was recognised with multiple Walkley Awards and a Logie. Its average total TV audience was 952,000 viewers with top episode “Hammered: Inside the Bunnings Machine” achieving 1.6 million viewers.
Insiders is required viewing for anyone interested in politics and after 25 years on air is achieving some of its strongest ever audiences. Its average audience in 2025 was 687,000 viewers, up 7% year-on-year, with a top audience of 1.4 million for its 90-minute post-election special.
Joel Tozer has been Executive Producer of 7.30 since mid-2022 and has done terrific work over that time with presenter Sarah Ferguson and the team. The program grew its total TV audience this year to date by 10% to an average of 853,000 viewers.
Previously he worked on Nine’s 60 Minutes where he was at the heart of a string of award-winning investigations. He has won multiple Walkley Awards as well as a number of other top journalism honours.
Tozer replaces Matthew Carney, who after an outstanding 25-year career at the ABC announced his decision to leave last month. Tozer will continue to report to and work closely with Head, Investigations and Current Affairs Jo Puccini.
The ABC will advertise the role of 7.30 Executive Producer in coming days.
Joel Tozer: "The Four Corners team delivers outstanding journalism and it’s a privilege to step into a role shaped by such talent. Leading the program in 2026 is an extraordinary opportunity and I’m excited to guide a team committed to journalism that truly moves the national conversation.”
Jo Puccini: “I’ve greatly enjoyed working with Joel while he has been at 7.30, where he has demonstrated exceptional editorial leadership and integrity. I look forward to continuing our collaboration and seeing the outstanding work he will deliver in this new role.”
Chris Bendall has more than 20 years’ background in broadcast TV news and current affairs, a passion for politics, a great track record in leadership roles and extensive experience in live TV. For the past 10 years he has worked on Ten’s The Project, the last five as its Executive Producer.
He will work closely with Insiders presenter and National Political Lead David Speers.
Chris Bendall: "Political coverage has always been an important part of my career. Providing information and understanding of the issues guiding the lives of Australians is an incredible responsibility.
"For anyone interested in Australian politics, Insiders has always been appointment viewing. It delivers the insight that viewers demand with the impartiality, balance and fairness they rightfully expect, and it does it all with a healthy dose of irreverence.
“I’m excited to be joining a program that has such a proud legacy and future, at a time when trusted political analysis has never been more essential.”
ABC, Director News Justin Stevens: "Joel Tozer and Chris Bendall are experienced and formidably talented editorial leaders who will continue to take these important programs into their next chapters.
"Across the national Investigative Reporting Team, the State and Territory News Investigations Team and teams such as Four Corners, 7.30, Background Briefing, the Specialist Reporting Team and ABC News Verify, the ABC’s dedicated investigative journalism has never been stronger.
"With programs such as Insiders, 7.30 and Afternoon Briefing, as well as the Canberra Parliament House team, state newsrooms, Stateline and other expert contributors, our coverage and analysis across all platforms of politics, policy and the issues that matter to Australians at the local and national level is also the best it has ever been.
“I’m excited about what ABC News will continue to achieve in our investigative and political coverage in 2026.”