SBS director of News and Current Affairs, Jim Carroll, to retire

Just a week after launching his expanded Tuesday night TV line-up, SBS has today announced that Jim Carroll (pictured), director of news and current affairs, will retire from the role on 31 August 2020.

During Carroll’s seven years in the position, SBS has reshaped its newsroom to align with a growing commitment to digital platforms, expanded its domestic news coverage, established European and China Bureaus, delivered fresh approaches to flagship current affairs brands Dateline and Insight, and launched new offerings aligned to the SBS Charter, including The Feed, Small Business Secrets and Where Are You Really From?

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James Taylor, SBS managing director, said: “Under Jim’s leadership, SBS has cemented itself as one of Australia’s most trusted media sources, with a well-earned reputation for impartial and independent reporting on global and domestic issues. He has also guided the newsroom in its focus on stories otherwise untold – particularly of First Nations and multicultural communities – contributing to SBS’s differentiated position in the Australian media market.

“As we continue to adapt to changing audience behaviours, Jim’s ongoing development of our news and current affairs offering and investment in building a multi-skilled team, has ensured that Australians increasingly have access to this output at their convenience. I am incredibly grateful for his significant dedication and contribution.”

Carroll added: “The past seven years have seen some of the most significant stories of my lifetime, including ongoing conflicts and issues but also moments of triumph and joy. Rapid change in the way Australians consume news has also been at the forefront of our strategy, and I’m incredibly proud of our evolution in providing trusted, balanced and accurate reporting across multiple platforms.

“As I look back over the seven years, what I have found most rewarding are the small moments. The people in our news coverage, and on Insight, Dateline and The Feed who invite us into their lives and trust us to share their stories. These are the stories that set SBS apart, and help to break down misconceptions about issues, communities and individuals.

“Leading the fantastic SBS News and Current Affairs team is one of the great jobs in Australian journalism; it has been an absolute privilege.”

Carroll will retire from the role on 31 August 2020. Recruitment for a new SBS director of news and current affairs will begin immediately.