The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is set to reestablish its presence in China with the appointment of Allyson Horn as its new correspondent in Beijing. This marks the first time in nearly five years that the ABC will have a journalist based in the country, following the departure of its previous correspondent in September 2020.
Allyson Horn’s upcoming assignment in Beijing is being hailed by the ABC as a “significant milestone.” ABC Director of News Justin Stevens expressed enthusiasm about the development, 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.”
Challenges and Past Departures
The ABC’s return to China comes after a challenging period for foreign journalists in the country. In September 2020, Bill Birtles, the ABC’s correspondent in Beijing, was compelled to leave following a tense five-day diplomatic standoff related to a national security case. The situation escalated when seven Chinese police officers arrived at Birtles’s residence in the middle of the night, demanding he submit to questioning.
Since Birtles’s departure, the ABC has not had a correspondent in China. However, the network’s leadership has been eager to restore its representation. Last year, ABC Chair Kim Williams emphasized the importance of having a 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 Legacy of Reporting from China
The ABC’s history in 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 handful of foreign journalists were permitted entry. Over the past 50 years, the ABC has appointed more than two dozen correspondents to China, including notable figures like 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 longstanding commitment to reporting from China. She noted that ABC journalists have consistently kept the Australian public informed about stories of global significance, focusing on the people, economy, and China’s position on the international stage. “We are delighted she will start this next chapter in the ABC’s long legacy of reporting from Beijing,” Dredge said, referring to Horn’s appointment.
Allyson Horn: A Seasoned Journalist
Allyson Horn brings over a decade of experience with ABC News across radio, television, and online platforms. Her first foreign posting was in 2022 as the ABC’s Middle East Correspondent, based in Jerusalem. Her work has been characterized by bravery and authority, with a commitment to amplifying the voices of ordinary people.
“Allyson Horn is a formidable journalist,” Justin Stevens remarked. “Her reporting is brave and authoritative, and she’s always committed to giving a voice to ordinary people.”
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Allyson Horn as the ABC’s China correspondent represents a renewed commitment to covering a nation of immense global influence. As China continues to play a pivotal role in international affairs, having a correspondent on the ground will be crucial for delivering nuanced and comprehensive reporting to Australian audiences.
The move also underscores the ABC’s broader strategy to strengthen its coverage in the Asia-Pacific region. With Horn’s expertise and the network’s historical legacy in China, the ABC is poised to provide insightful and impactful journalism from one of the world’s most dynamic countries.
