The ABC has announced the new leaders of three of its key editorial teams, with Matthew Carney to take over as Executive Producer of Four Corners, Morag Ramsay as Executive Producer of Foreign Correspondent and Joel Tozer as Executive Producer of 7.30.
All three are accomplished journalists and producers whose outstanding public interest journalism has been recognised with multiple awards.
Carney first joined the ABC in 1995. Currently EP of Foreign Correspondent, he has previously been a Four Corners reporter, North Asia Bureau Chief and China Bureau Chief.
Ramsay joined the ABC in 1996, working for ABC Radio Sydney, and went on to work for Lateline and Four Corners, where she has been Supervising Producer since 2015.
Tozer has worked in reporting and production roles for the ABC, SBS and Nine, most recently as a producer on Nine’s 60 Minutes. Last year he shared the Melbourne Press Club Quill Award for Investigative Journalism for reporting that exposed the activities of neo-Nazi groups in Australia, work which led the head of ASIO to acknowledge far-right groups as a terrorist threat.
Justin Stevens, ABC Director, News:
“Leading 7.30, Four Corners and Foreign Correspondent are three of the most important jobs in Australian journalism. I’m delighted to have editorial leaders of the calibre of Matthew Carney, Joel Tozer and Morag Ramsay taking up these vital roles – they are three of the most talented journalists in the Australian media.
“Four Corners is a program that changes Australia for the better. For decades it has been at the forefront of documentary making in this country. Its journalism must be bold and brave, speak truth to power, expose injustices, trigger national debates and inquiries and tell the stories others dare not.
“It is 30 years this week since the first episode of Foreign Correspondent went to air, in 1992. It has been Australia’s leading international current affairs program ever since and remains a key part of what we do. With the current complexities and conflicts in our region and around the globe, it is more important than ever.
“Every night 7.30 holds to account Australia’s most powerful people and organisations and tells the key stories of the day. 7.30 is about to start an exciting new chapter and Joel’s experience and skills make him the right person to take it forward from here. From July he will work closely with incoming presenter Sarah Ferguson, Chief Political Correspondent Laura Tingle and a very talented team to continue to provide this essential service for audiences.
“ABC News is committed to delivering the nation’s best and bravest investigative journalism and public interest reporting on behalf of all Australians and we’re looking forward to seeing what Matthew, Joel and Morag do leading these exceptionally talented teams.”
Matthew Carney:
“I am truly honoured to take on what I believe is the best job in Australian journalism. As a reporter at Four Corners for eight years I saw first-hand the immense power and impact this program has. It’s a mission that’s more important than ever and I will safeguard and strengthen it.
“As Executive Producer of the program I feel the weight and privilege of this very important role and I look forward to working with an immensely talented and dedicated team. Four Corners has the highest standards of journalism at its heart and I want to enhance the production values and storytelling so its reporting can continue to shine bright.”
Morag Ramsay:
“I am thrilled at the prospect of leading the Foreign Correspondent team. It was one of my original inspirations for becoming a journalist and filmmaker.
“The program has never been more important in a time of global uncertainty, and I can’t wait to join them. A roving brief to cover the world is a dream come true.”
Joel Tozer:
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the ABC to lead the powerhouse team at 7.30.
“It’s an irresistible opportunity to work alongside the formidable Sarah Ferguson and the program’s trusted team of journalists, producers, editors and crews.
“I’m looking forward to 7.30 continuing to deliver news, exclusive interviews, investigations and political analysis that speaks to all Australians.”