The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is set to reestablish its presence in China with the appointment of Allyson Horn as its new China correspondent. This marks the first time in nearly five years that the ABC will have a journalist stationed in Beijing, following the forced departure of the previous correspondent in September 2020.
Allyson Horn will assume her role in Beijing in the coming weeks, a move the ABC describes as a “significant milestone.” Justin Stevens, the ABC’s director of news, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to have a correspondent return to China. Bringing the best coverage of China and its people to our audiences is incredibly important and having an Australian journalist reporting this story on the ground for us will significantly bolster our reporting.”
Background on ABC’s Absence from China
The ABC’s absence from China began in September 2020 when Bill Birtles, then the ABC’s correspondent in Beijing, was compelled to leave the country. This followed a five-day diplomatic standoff concerning a national security case. During the incident, seven Chinese police officers visited Birtles’s residence in the middle of the night, demanding he submit to questioning.
Since Birtles’s departure, the ABC has not maintained a correspondent in China. Last year, ABC chair Kim Williams emphasized the need to restore the organization’s presence in Beijing, stating, “We need to be in Beijing to ensure clear and regular reporting from the dynamic nation that China is, with its many profound economic, political, and diplomatic resonances around the world.”
A Longstanding Relationship with China
The ABC’s relationship with China dates back to 1973 when it opened its first bureau in the country. Paul Raffaele was the first Australian journalist to be based in Mao’s China, at a time when only a few foreign journalists were permitted entry. Over the past 50 years, the ABC has appointed more than two dozen correspondents to China, including notable figures such as TV presenter Jane Hutcheon in 1996 and Eric Campbell in 2001.
Suzanne Dredge, the ABC’s head of international and Indigenous coverage, highlighted the network’s historical commitment to reporting from China. “ABC journalists have reported on the ground in China for more than half a century,” she noted. “They have kept the Australian public informed about stories of global significance with a focus on the people, economy, and China’s position on the international stage.”
Allyson Horn’s Credentials and Future Role
Allyson Horn brings over a decade of experience with ABC News across radio, TV, and online platforms. Her first foreign assignment came in 2022 as the ABC’s Middle East Correspondent, based in Jerusalem. Stevens praised Horn’s capabilities, stating, “Allyson Horn is a formidable journalist. Her reporting is brave and authoritative, and she’s always committed to giving a voice to ordinary people.”
Dredge further commented on Horn’s appointment, emphasizing its significance in reinforcing the ABC’s commitment to strengthening coverage in the Asia Pacific region. “We are delighted she will start this next chapter in the ABC’s long legacy of reporting from Beijing,” she said.
Implications and Future Outlook
The return of an ABC correspondent to China is expected to enhance the network’s ability to deliver nuanced and comprehensive coverage of one of the world’s most influential nations. As China continues to play a pivotal role in global economic and political affairs, having a dedicated journalist on the ground will provide Australian audiences with valuable insights into the country’s developments.
Looking forward, Horn’s reporting is anticipated to cover a wide range of topics, from China’s domestic policies to its international relations, offering a balanced perspective that is crucial in today’s interconnected world. The ABC’s renewed presence in Beijing underscores the importance of maintaining journalistic access and representation in key global regions.
