Media executive Judith Whelan remembered as 'true fighter' for ...

Judith Whelan, a trailblazing journalist who held roles as the editor of the Sydney Morning Herald and as an ABC executive, has died aged 62 after a long battle with cancer. 

Whelan joined the ABC in 2016 after a career working as an editor and journalist for a number of publications including the Sydney Morning Herald, where she was one of just three female editors in the masthead's history.  

She also spent seven years at the helm of the Good Weekend magazine. 

At the national broadcaster, Whelan was first appointed director, Regional and Local before moving to the ABC editorial director role in 2022. 

Her career in journalism also included work as a foreign correspondent in both the Pacific and Europe, as well as a Walkley-nominated news and feature writer. 

A number of journalists have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Whelan on social media. 

ABC managing director David Anderson paid tribute to Whelan and confirmed her death on Wednesday. 

He said she was "loved and respected across the ABC, especially by our radio and regional teams". 

"We have lost a great friend and journalism has lost a true fighter," he said.

"Judith always had the instincts that made her such a formidable journalist. She carried with her a commitment to truth and accountability and instilled these values in those who worked with her.

"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." 

Sydney Morning Herald editor Bevan Shields said Whelan remained part of their DNA.

He told the Herald: "Judith was a wonderful editor, colleague and friend.

"She was at the Herald for more than three decades and remains part of our DNA. We are heartbroken by her death.

"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."

Herald editor between 2017 and 2021, Lisa Davies, added: "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.

"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."

Whelan died at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on Wednesday and leaves behind her husband Chris and two children, Sophia and Patrick.