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ABC and AIDC announce 2026 Indigenous Documentary Placement recipient

The ABC and the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) are pleased to announce Theo McMahon as the recipient of the 2026 Indigenous Documentary Placement.

In its fifth year, the ABC-AIDC initiative offers emerging documentary makers the opportunity to build their skills and experience within the ABC’s Documentary & Specialist and Indigenous teams.

Theo McMahon is an independent filmmaker, producer and emerging director working in non-scripted storytelling. A proud Bundjalung man based in Melbourne, he has helped develop observational documentary projects with a focus on First Nations storytelling.

Theo said: “I’m excited for the incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best people in Australian storytelling while contributing to work that has real cultural impact. As an Indigenous filmmaker, I’m looking forward to deepening my understanding of how meaningful stories are developed and shared through a platform with such reach and responsibility.”

Theo’s work includes The Art of Incarceration (Netflix 2022), Faceless (MIFF 2025) and No Prior Opportunity (MIFF 2025), and is shaped by a strong commitment to Indigenous stories, research-led development and community-grounded filmmaking.

ABC Head Indigenous, Kelrick Martin said: “Theo is a great example of the calibre of Indigenous talent coming through and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the ABC through this initiative with the AIDC. The Indigenous Documentary Placement identifies and nurtures outstanding Indigenous creative talent and opens up real pathways within the documentary and factual space for First Nations storytellers.”

AIDC CEO and Creative Director, Natasha Gadd, said: "Well deserved congratulations to Theo as the recipient of this year’s Indigenous Documentary Placement! We are very proud to co-present the placement with the ABC for a fifth year, and to continue our commitment to supporting career pathways and industry opportunities for First Nations filmmakers. Based on the impressive outcome for previous placement recipients Dylan Nicholls, Daniel King, Perun Bonser, and Anna-Marie Harding, Theo will no doubt contribute to, and glean a lot from his experience with ABC Indigenous and we can’t wait to track the next steps in his career as a result.”

Theo’s placement is for four months, starting on June 29, with Vicscreen providing support for travel between Melbourne and Sydney.

Past participants in the ABC-AIDC program include director and producer Dylan Nicholls, filmmaker Daniel King, writer and director Perun Bonser, and cinematographer Anna-Marie Harding.

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Official NAIDOC Week education resources launched for 2026

ABC Education and the National NAIDOC Committee have launched the official NAIDOC Week Education Resources 2026, giving teachers the tools to bring this year’s theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’, into Australian classrooms.

Available on the NAIDOC and ABC Education websites, the guide supports teachers to engage students and school communities with NAIDOC Week 2026.

Developed by educators Aunty Steph Armstrong OAM and Thara Brown at Culture is Life, under the guidance of National NAIDOC Committee co-chair Aunty (Professor) Lynette Riley AO, the resources bring together cultural knowledge and classroom practice.

Aunty Lynette Riley: “This resource is a celebration of culture, community and the rich knowledge that has been shared across generations and continues to guide and inspire learning today. It recognises the importance of listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, valuing truth-telling, and embracing the histories, stories and perspectives that strengthen education for everyone.”

Kelly Williams, ABC Director First Nations Strategy: “The ABC is proud to partner with the National NAIDOC Committee in celebrating the five decades of deadly work their members have done in reminding the nation what can be achieved when culture leads and community comes first.”

Belinda Duarte, CEO of Culture is Life: “We are proud to partner with ABC Education and the National NAIDOC Committee, to build education that empowers future leaders and creates healthier connected communities across the country.”

The National NAIDOC Committee said this year’s NAIDOC Week theme is about looking back at the stories, marches, languages, art and leadership that have shaped the past 50 years. “It’s about recognising how far we’ve come, not by chance, but because generations of people refused to be silenced.”

The resources explore key moments across 50 years of NAIDOC Week history, including land rights, the Stolen Generations and Reconciliation, alongside the music, art and culture that have defined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories.

Designed for years F–10, the resources can be adapted to suit students’ learning levels and needs in line with the Australian Curriculum’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives have historically been left out of key moments in history that have shaped Australia as a nation, as well as significant moments today,” Thara Brown said.

These resources aim to help teachers and students learn, connect with and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and perspectives.

The NAIDOC Week Education Resources are available on the ABC Education, NAIDOC and Culture is Life websites.

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The Age/SMH’s Calum Jaspan reports today that Rena Christmann is set to join the ABC as Head of Employee Relations & Workplace Health and Safety in September, replacing Josh Keech who resigned in May. Christmann joins from UNSW, which is also where the broadcaster’s director of strategic communications Freya Campbell came from last year.

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Hugh Marks appeared on Ben Fordham Live on 2GB this morning.

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This ranks as…

Hanson is a freakin’ idiot.

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The subscription-based model proposed by One Nation would only be likely to succeed if it resembled the UK’s television licence fee system. Even then, it would require an operational merger of the ABC and SBS, along with the establishment of an independent body similar to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in the United States to oversee funding allocation and governance. Without those structural reforms, it would be difficult for what would effectively become a new, unified public broadcaster to operate in the manner being suggested.

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Applications open for the ABC Trailblazers Program

Applications have opened for the 2027 ABC Trailblazers Program, which champions young regional leaders creating meaningful change in their communities.

The program is calling on 18–28-year-olds from across regional Australia who are working on social, educational, environmental or economic initiatives to apply. From early-stage initiatives to established projects, applications are encouraged from changemakers at all points in their journey

Reflecting on the program’s impact, this year’s Trailblazers Kesh Fernandez and Jules Gabor co-founded HAVEN22 to address a lack of places for young people to participate in Darwin’s music and arts scene, said:

“As creative producers on Larrakia Land, we’ve seen how the ABC Trailblazers program helps turn passion into momentum. It’s for the dreamers, the doers, the drivers — already setting change in motion. This is more than connection, it’s about stepping into something larger. It’s a launchpad — because young people’s ideas don’t just shape the future, they drive it.”

Each year, up to 20 regional changemakers are selected to join the program, receiving a support package that includes a leadership intensive at the Heywire Regional Youth Summit in Canberra, national ABC media exposure, and exclusive access to funding through the Sally Foundation Trailblazers Development Fund.

Alongside leadership skills, Trailblazers also gain training in storytelling and entrepreneurship, as well as mentoring, industry connections and a nationwide network of young leaders.

For Jayden, a proud Dunghutti man from the Hunter Valley, Trailblazers helped bring his program Gurru Collective to life, an Aboriginal-led initiative supporting young people through culture and community.

"Trailblazers showed me that you don’t need to have all the answers to get started. Coming from a youth work background and starting Gurru Collective, I just wanted to create opportunities and support for young people in my community.

The program gave me access to mentors, networks and experiences that helped turn that vision into action. Being surrounded by other passionate young people from across regional Australia was inspiring and reminded me that real change often starts with ordinary people having a go.

If you’re thinking about applying, back yourself. You never know where one opportunity might lead."

Since its launch in 2017, more than 140 young people have participated in the Trailblazers program, connecting with fellow changemakers, advancing their projects, and sharing their work with a national audience across the ABC.

The program has built a strong legacy, with alumni driving long-lasting positive impact in regional communities, and going on to form NGOs, present at international conferences, win national awards, and secure grant funding as a direct result of their involvement.

Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and the Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride, encourages young rural and regional leaders to get involved.

“Each year, I’m inspired by the passion, talent and determination shown by young leaders right across Australia.

“As a nation, we must continue to champion and support the next generation - those already making meaningful change in their communities.

“Programs like ABC Trailblazers play a vital role in recognising and empowering these emerging voices. By investing in their leadership, we are helping to build a stronger, more resilient Australia for the future.”

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks says Trailblazers highlights the innovation and impact of young people across regional Australia, and the crucial role they play in driving change in their communities.

“Programs like this don’t just recognise great ideas, they back young innovators who are driving real change in their communities, from grassroots projects to bold new solutions tackling local challenges. The ABC is proud to shine a light on the passion, creativity and impact of these young Australians.

“Every year, we see inspiring projects emerging from regional communities that are making a genuine difference on the ground. I’m excited to see the next wave of ideas and impact that will come through in 2027.”

Submit your application through the Trailblazers website by 1 August 2026.

The ABC’s Trailblazers program sits under the umbrella of the Heywire program, which the ABC has run in partnership with the Australia Government since 1998.

Heywire is supported by the Australian Government through The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Office for Youth, Australia’s Disability Strategy, The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and AgriFutures Australia.

For more information and to interview a Trailblazer Ambassador from your region, please contact:

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How’s this for the very dearly departed: taxpayers will be forced to stump up more than $300,000 as part of a secret golden handshake deal for ousted ABC news boss Justin Stevens after he was politely informed he had made the difficult decision to resign from the high-profile and ridiculously well-paid post last month.

Diary can reveal Stevens will pocket the handsome payout – worth about three times the average Aussie adult’s annual pay packet – while enjoying six months of gardening leave despite standing down from the role “effective immediately” on May 27.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/media-diary-abc-boss-justin-stevens-secret-big-money-payout-after-early-exit/news-story/6093d7eb7c60cafa1db4c83766c33273

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Judith Whelan Leadership Fellowship honours media trailblazer

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Judith Whelan was a distinguished and trailblazing journalist and editorial leader who made a tremendous contribution to the Australian media before her death from cancer in 2024.

In recognition of Judith’s service to journalism, and to continue her legacy of lifting future women leaders, the ABC, The Sydney Morning Herald and the University of Sydney have joined together to create the annual Judith Whelan Leadership Fellowship.

Each year the ABC and the Herald will each select a candidate to participate in the Sydney Leadership Accelerator Program, a transformative course run by the University to help both new and experienced managers to lead with confidence and transition into more senior roles. Fellowship recipients will also have the opportunity to select an additional short course of their choice.

The ABC and the Herald, in conjunction with the Judith Whelan Fellowship Committee, will also nominate a minimum of two women leaders to provide mentorship and guidance to the successful candidates during the 12-month Fellowship.

Chris Henning, Judith’s husband, said the Fellowship was a wonderful way to remember her.

“Three institutions which she served and for which she had the greatest respect coming together in her name to foster the talents of young women in journalism, the industry she loved most — that is a fantastic initiative,” he said.

“I know she would have been pleased and so proud.”

Judith worked at the ABC from 2016 as one of its most senior executives, as Director of the Regional and Local division and then as Editorial Director.

Prior to that she spent her career as a journalist and influential leader at the Herald, including as Editor and News Director, as well as seven years running the highly regarded Good Weekend magazine.

Judith studied at the University of Sydney and was deeply involved in campus life and student politics, becoming the first female president of the University of Sydney Union.

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks: "Judith Whelan was an extraordinary leader at the ABC whose commitment and vision helped shape and strengthen our regional and rural services in lasting ways. Her absence is felt keenly by those who had the privilege of working with her.

“This Fellowship is a deeply meaningful tribute to Judith’s life and legacy — supporting and inspiring the next generation of women in journalism across the organisations that meant so much to her.”

The Sydney Morning Herald Editor Jordan Baker: “Judith was a highly respected and much-loved colleague of many at the Herald. As just the second female to edit the masthead she was an inspiration to many women in our industry and this initiative is a wonderful way to honour her legacy.”

Professor Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sydney: "During her time at the University of Sydney Judith threw herself into campus life and student politics with her trademark energy and enthusiasm, becoming the first woman to lead the University of Sydney Union.

“As a journalist and editor she combined sharp news instincts with an appreciation and flair for stories that offered entertainment and insight as well as information. We’re proud to support this Fellowship which celebrates her legacy as a mentor and inspiration to so many.”

The founding Judith Whelan Fellowship Committee comprises Chris Henning; Lee Glendinning, ABC Head of Digital and National News; Monique Farmer, National Managing Editor The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age; Clare Masters, Executive Director of Public Affairs, University of Sydney; and former Herald Editor Lisa Davies.

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TVS forges media partnership with ABC Australia

TVSarawak (TVS) under Sarawak Media Group (SMG), and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC Australia) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in content development, distribution and related media initiatives.

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The ABC has rejected “claims that its journalism has contributed to antisemitism or social division”.

ABC and SBS will face questioning over complaints of bias and antisemitism when they appear at the royal commission on Thursday.

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ABC Statement on Royal Commission

The ABC is Australia’s independent national public broadcaster. It has a commitment to fundamental democratic principles including rule of law, freedom of speech and religion, parliamentary democracy and non-discrimination.

Its accurate, impartial and accountable journalism helps equip Australians with the information they need to make up their own minds about issues relevant to their lives.

A healthy democratic society depends on diverse sources of reliable information and contending opinions. The ABC acknowledges that some content can be challenging, but it does not gratuitously harm or offend, nor does it allow, condone or encourage prejudice.

The ABC rejects claims that its journalism has contributed to antisemitism or social division. Its reporting has been evidence-based, fair, impartial and consistent with its Charter obligations.

ABC Governance and Accountability

The ABC operates under a comprehensive framework that includes:

  • The ABC Code of Practice
  • Publicly available Editorial Policies and editorial guidance documents for staff, overseen by the Editorial Policies division
  • Dedicated Standards Editors in the News and Screen divisions
  • Complaints oversight and handling by the independent ABC Ombudsman
  • External review through the Australian Communications and Media Authority

Role of the ABC Ombudsman

The ABC Ombudsman assesses and, where appropriate, investigates and reviews complaints about ABC content concerning the editorial standards. The Ombudsman reports to the ABC Board and assists the Board to achieve the dual aims of ABC self-regulation: effective accountability and continuous quality improvement in editorial output. The system was designed to balance accountability with the need to protect editorial independence and robust journalism.

The ABC’s complaints process is the most robust and transparent in the Australian media and the Ombudsman’s reports are published publicly: Recent Complaints and Reports — ABC Ombudsman’s Office — About the ABC

Coverage of Antisemitism in Australia

The ABC has devoted extensive coverage to the rise of antisemitism in Australia and included all relevant perspectives, across areas including government policy, politics, social cohesion and law and order. Coverage has included breaking news, investigative reporting, analysis and interviews, including with affected individuals, community representatives, religious leaders, academics and policymakers.

The ABC reporting has consistently centred on the experiences of Jewish Australians while providing context regarding broader social and political issues.

The ABC extensively reported on the December 2025 Bondi terror attack and continues to cover all the repercussions, including investigative reporting on allegations of failures by Australia’s intelligence services in the lead-up to the attack.

The first ABC National Forum, broadcast live on 9 March 2026, focused on the lives and experiences of Jewish Australians, including issues arising from the Bondi attack.

Educational initiatives, including Journeys of Hope and The Holocaust Explained, have been developed through ABC Education to support Holocaust awareness and understanding among students.

Audience Complaints and Findings

Middle East conflicts have generated more complaints than any other topic covered by the ABC. Most complaints regarding coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict allege bias. In the six months July-December 2025, 51% of complaints claimed the ABC’s Israel-Gaza coverage was broadly pro-Palestinian and 47% claimed it was broadly pro-Israel. This indicates that perceptions of bias are arising from strongly held views across the community rather than systematic editorial favouritism.

To date the Ombudsman has recorded breaches for five instances of ABC coverage concerning the Middle East: four accuracy breaches in news content, including in an episode of triple j Hack, and breaches of impartiality and responsibility involving an episode of the Hip Hop Show on triple j.

No complaints of bias have been upheld by the Ombudsman in relation to ABC NEWS coverage of the Middle East. No complaints about the ABC Middle East news coverage have been investigated by ACMA. The ABC recognises there is always room for improvement and treats audience complaints as an opportunity to ensure all its content is of a high standard. Where we recognise our stories could be better, we have updated stories or added additional context and clarification.

The ABC Ombudsman publishes reports on significant investigations and review findings or where suitable action has been taken to update a story to ensure the ABC’s standards are met. Significant findings have included:

See:

Coverage of 7 October and the Israel–Gaza War

The ABC has a long-standing presence in the Middle East and significantly increased resources following the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. The ABC treated the 7 October attack as a defining event in its own right and has continued reporting on victims, hostages and affected Australian families.

At the same time, it has extensively reported on the Gaza war, including the humanitarian consequences. To support journalists to meet the ABC’s editorial standards when reporting on the Middle East conflicts the ABC developed additional internal guidance. This includes guidance on reporting on contentious concepts such as allegations of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, making clear it is the ABC’s role to report on these issues in an accurate, factual and impartial way with relevant information, perspectives and context so audience members are equipped to form their own views.

IHRA definition of antisemitism

The ABC has its own clear and established guidance regarding a range of issues, including antisemitism and hate speech in general. While recognising many organisations find the IHRA definition of antisemitism useful, the ABC has chosen not to adopt it. This is consistent with the ABC’s longstanding practice to maintain independent editorial policies. The ABC’s editorial independence is fundamental to its effective operation as the national public broadcaster and is a key element of ensuring public trust. The IHRA’s core definition of antisemitism is broadly consistent with the ABC’s definition. However, the IHRA’s examples are contested and there has been criticism that in some cases they risk conflating legitimate political criticism of Israel with antisemitism.

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Most religions claim they are unfairly treated by the ABC and media in general.

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I am sure News Corp and Sky News will seize on the comments and say “we told you so”.

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ABC amplifies Australian voices with new ABC Your Say project

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The ABC is launching ABC Your Say, one of its most ambitious audience engagement initiatives, connecting with communities across the country to give Australians a unique opportunity to have their say on the issues, challenges and opportunities shaping their lives in 2026.

ABC Your Say will leverage the ABC’s unparalleled local presence in communities to engage with audiences nationwide and elevate the issues and questions that matter most to them.

Running for eight weeks from Monday 20 July, ABC Your Say will see News and Audio teams connect with people from all walks of life, in towns big and small, to hear their views, enriching the ABC’s journalism across all platforms and ensuring it reflects the diversity and character of communities across Australia.

This year’s project builds on the success of ABC Your Say during the 2025 federal election, when tens of thousands of Australians engaged with the ABC to ask questions and identify the issues of greatest concern to them before they voted.

Insights gathered throughout this year’s initiative will help shape the ABC’s journalism, from editorial commissioning and investigations to interviews with decision-makers and stories that reflect diverse voices.

Donna Field, ABC Director News, said: “At a time when trust matters more than ever, ABC Your Say reinforces the ABC’s role as a public broadcaster that listens as well as reports – bringing Australians directly into the national conversation and reflecting what matters most to them.”

People will be invited to take part in ABC Your Say across ABC Digital platforms, while ABC Local Radio stations will be out in communities across Australia, listening to local voices and facilitating conversations about the issues that matter most to the people who live there.

ABC News Breakfast will hit the road on a national tour to bring the voices of Australia to one of the ABC’s most popular programs.

News Breakfast will travel to every state and the Northern Territory during the eight-week project, broadcasting live from a different location every Friday morning, beginning in Newcastle before travelling to Launceston, Mount Isa, Gawler, Darwin, Fremantle, Brisbane and Melbourne.

At each stop, the News Breakfast team will host a community event in partnership with local ABC teams, connecting with audiences and hearing directly from the people who live there.

ABC Your Say is a unique nationwide invitation for Australians to help shape the conversations that matter most.

Join the conversation and have your say at Your Say - ABC News

News Breakfast