ABC editorial director Judith Whelan dies aged 62 after battle with cancer

Judith Whelan, the editorial director of the ABC and a former editor of the Sydney Morning Herald, has died aged 62.

Whelan died at Royal Prince Alfred hospital in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon following a seven-year battle with cancer.

She is survived by her husband Christopher Henning, her daughter Sophia and her 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 her death,' Shields said.

'She had a finely tuned news radar but also revelled in journalism that could entertain and inform readers. She was a natural leader and a beautiful person. 

'Our thoughts are with Chris, Sophia and Patrick.'

Whelan is being remembered as a fierce advocate for women in the industry and for having a keen eye for 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 her veins'.

'She had the compassionate touch of someone who genuinely cared; she was fiercely competitive but would relish the opportunity to cuddle a colleague's new baby,' Ms Davies said.

'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.' 

After starting as a cadet at the Herald, Whelan excelled on the health desk before becoming one of the newspaper's youngest foreign correspondents.

She took a posting in New Zealand and later worked for the publication in Europe.

Whelan was the editor of the Good Weekend between 2004 and 2011, Saturday editor from 2011 and 2013 and editor of the Herald until 2016.

She was a finalist for the prestigious Walkley Awards on a number of occasions. 

In 2016, Whelan quit Fairfax Media (now Nine Newspapers) to join the ABC.

She worked as head of radio before becoming the national broadcaster's head of specialist content and then director of regional and local. 

In this role, Whelan managed capital city radio stations and local screen content in 48 regional and rural locations across Australia. 

Last February, she was appointed editorial director of the ABC. 

ABC managing director David Anderson said Whelan had been 'fearless' in the face of cancer and continued to be a 'formidable' journalist. 

'She carried with her a commitment to truth and accountability and instilled these values in those who worked with her,' he said.

'A valued mentor to younger journalists, Judith nurtured while leading by example. Judith was tough but caring and wanted those around her to succeed. Young reporters knew Judith would champion their work if the story needed to be told.

'Judith spoke her mind and was often the rare voice that called out the truth that needed to be said, regardless of the views of those around her.'