Former ABC news director Kate Torney to tackle misinformation in new role
The Constructive Institute’s goal is to shape global news culture in a way that will lead to healthier democracies.
Kate Torney, ABC news director from 2009-2015, has been appointed Director of the Constructive Institute Asia Pacific in the Faculty of Arts at Monash University. She will commence her role in November 2024.
Her appointment follows the departure earlier this year of the Constructive Institute’s inaugural Director, Stan Grant.
Torney will take up a Professorship of Practice in the School of Media, Film and Journalism and, through the Constructive Institute, work towards the University’s goal to counter misinformation and disinformation.
Located at Aarhus University in Denmark, the Constructive Institute’s goal is to shape global news culture in a way that will lead to healthier democracies. Based within the School of Media, Film and Journalism in Monash University’s Faculty of Arts, Torney will work towards this goal in the Asia Pacific region.
Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Katie Stevenson, welcomed Torney’s appointment, saying “Today’s media landscape is rapidly evolving and enduring constant battles of misinformation, sensationalism and negativity bias.
“With the appointment of Professor Torney, Monash Arts is excited for the significant impact the Constructive Institute Asia Pacific will have on developing the next generation of journalists with a renewed commitment to news integrity,” Professor Stevenson said.
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Speaking of her new role, Torney said “This is a rare moment in time for the media sector – a chance to deliberately be part of the solution to the polarisation and mistrust that we are seeing in so many of our institutions and democracies around the world."
“Monash University is leading the way by joining a global effort to reframe and strengthen the role of journalism in supporting highly engaged, solution-focused communities. That has never been more important and I am excited by the challenge, the sense of urgency and the huge opportunities that lie ahead in this role.”
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Top image: Kate Torney
