RTÉ HAS ANNOUNCED that former ABC News international editor Jon Williams will take over the broadcaster’s news and current affairs division.

Williams has been Managing Editor, International News, at ABC News in New York since March 2013, where he shaped the organisation’s international news coverage and strategy. He led ABC’s reporting of the war in Ukraine, the European refugee crisis, and the coverage of terror attacks in Europe.

RTÉ Director-General, Dee Forbes, said that the former BBC man has an “exceptional” record.

“Jon’s CV is exceptional: a proven and award-winning track record in international affairs is coupled with that key domestic experience, which is so important in the Irish context. Jon’s skill as editor, reporter, innovator and leader are unique.”

Williams was BBC’s UK News Editor during the 2005 general election and 7/7 terror attacks, coverage of which won a BAFTA award.

He says that he is excited to lead the RTÉ newsroom.

“I could not be more excited to join RTÉ – it’s the privilege of a lifetime to be asked to lead such a talented team of journalists. From Brexit to the many domestic challenges facing the country, there’s never been a more important time for RTÉ, as the national media service, to lead the conversation.”

The Liverpudlian will take up the role in the new year.

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