Judith Whelan, ABC editorial director and former editor of the Sydney Morning Herald, has died aged 62.
Whelan died at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on Wednesday afternoon after a seven-year battle with cancer.
She is survived by her husband Christopher Henning, daughter Sophia and son Patrick.
Whelan began her career at the Herald with a cadetship in 1985 and would become one of only three women to become editor of the masthead.
Current editor Bevan Shields said Whelan had been a “wonderful editor, colleague and friend” during her three decades in the newsroom.
“We are heartbroken by his death,” Shields said.
‘I had a finely tuned news radar, but I also enjoyed journalism that could entertain and inform readers. She was a natural leader and a beautiful person.
“Our thoughts are with Chris, Sophia and Patrick.”
Judith Whelan, ABC editorial director and former editor of the Sydney Morning Herald, has died aged 62.
Whelan died at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on Wednesday after a seven-year battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Chris and two children, Patrick and Sophia.
Whelan is remembered as a fierce advocate for women in the industry and for having a keen eye for spotting rising talent.
Lisa Davies, who was editor of the Herald between 2017 and 2021, said Whelan had been a “fiercely competitive” leader who had “journalism in his veins”.
‘He had the compassionate touch of someone who really cares; “She was fiercely competitive but would love the chance to cuddle a colleague’s new baby,” said Mrs Davies.
“She was also a pioneer for women in media, who found greatest satisfaction in spotting talent and helping them achieve great things – we are better for her leadership and love.”
After starting out as a cadet at the Herald, Whelan rose to prominence in the health department before becoming one of the paper’s youngest foreign correspondents.
He accepted a position in New Zealand and then worked for the publication in Europe.
Whelan was editor of Good Weekend from 2004 to 2011, editor of Saturday from 2011 to 2013, and editor of the Herald until 2016.
Whelan became one of the Herald’s youngest foreign correspondents when she accepted a position in New Zealand in her twenties.
He was a finalist for the prestigious Walkley Awards on several occasions.
In 2016, Whelan left Fairfax Media (now Nine Newspapers) to join the ABC.
She worked as a radio manager before becoming head of specialist content for the national broadcaster and then regional and local director.
In this role, Whelan managed capital radio stations and local screen content in 48 regional and rural locations across Australia.
Last February she was appointed editorial director of ABC.
ABC chief executive David Anderson said Whelan had been “fearless” in the face of cancer and remained a “formidable” journalist.
Whelan edited the Sydney Morning Herald and Good Weekend during his five-decade career.
“She carried with her a commitment to truth and responsibility and instilled these values in those who worked with her,” he said.
‘Judith was a valuable mentor to younger journalists, educating them and leading them by example. Judith was tough but caring and she wanted those around her to succeed. The young journalists knew that Judith would defend her work if the story needed to be told.
“Judith spoke her mind and was often the rare voice that shouted the truth that needed to be told, regardless of the opinions of those around her.”
