After a major career pivot, guess where former ABC political editor Andrew Probyn is heading?
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Andrew Probyn, former ABC National Political Editor, was made redundant by the national broadcaster earlier this year amidst company-wide restructuring.
Now, he's found a new home with one of ABC's major commercial rivals: Nine News.
Probyn had been with ABC for over five years in the high-profile role of Political Editor. Known for breaking major stories and keeping politicians on their toes, he established himself as one of the nation's top political journalists during his tenure.
So it came as a shock when he was among the 120 ABC employees made redundant in 2022 as part of a major company restructuring and attempt to redirect funds into digital content.
Probyn himself said he was 'flabbergasted' by the decision. He said in an interview: ‘I’ve been informed that the national broadcaster no longer needs a political editor and that they want to reinvest the money into social and digital reporting roles.’
He added: ‘Very good luck to the ABC. I’m still trying to come to terms with it.’
While the redundancy was surely a blow for Probyn, it wasn't long before rival media organisations came knocking with new job offers.
Now, Probyn is taking his incisive political insights to a rival network. Joining Nine News' respected political team, Probyn will take on the role of National Affairs Editor starting in November.
His new role was confirmed by CEO Darren Wicks, who described Probyn as ‘highly regarded, respected and well-liked among his peers in the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery’.
The CEO also added that the journalist had an ‘envious track record of breaking major stories’.
His fellow journalists also welcomed Probyn's hiring with great enthusiasm. Nine’s Political Editor, Charles Croucher, took to social media to say that having Probyn join the team was 'great for us!'
The Age and Sydney Morning Herald’s Chief Political Correspondent David Crowe posted on social media: ‘Good news. [It] will be great to see Andrew Probyn back in the Press Gallery Corridor.’
The new position will allow Probyn to apply his talents across the network's television programs. In a statement, he said he was 'delighted' by the move.
Social media users expressed their support for Probyn, with many congratulating him on his new role.
One user wrote: ‘Great news! Congratulations, Andrew!’
‘It's the ABC's loss,’ another said.
‘It will be good to see him back,’ a third user stated.
Andrew Probyn gained notoriety in 2020 after a viral exchange with then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison, when PM Morrison repeatedly interrupted Probyn's questioning during a press conference.
The tense 24-second clip exploded on social media platforms, with countless parodies and remixes poking fun at Morrison's dismissive attitude.
You can watch the compilation of parodies here:
What do you think of Andrew Probyn’s new role, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Now, he's found a new home with one of ABC's major commercial rivals: Nine News.
Probyn had been with ABC for over five years in the high-profile role of Political Editor. Known for breaking major stories and keeping politicians on their toes, he established himself as one of the nation's top political journalists during his tenure.
So it came as a shock when he was among the 120 ABC employees made redundant in 2022 as part of a major company restructuring and attempt to redirect funds into digital content.
Former ABC National Political Editor Andrew Probyn joins another network after redundancy on ABC. Credit: Kevin Perry/X (Twitter)
Probyn himself said he was 'flabbergasted' by the decision. He said in an interview: ‘I’ve been informed that the national broadcaster no longer needs a political editor and that they want to reinvest the money into social and digital reporting roles.’
He added: ‘Very good luck to the ABC. I’m still trying to come to terms with it.’
While the redundancy was surely a blow for Probyn, it wasn't long before rival media organisations came knocking with new job offers.
Now, Probyn is taking his incisive political insights to a rival network. Joining Nine News' respected political team, Probyn will take on the role of National Affairs Editor starting in November.
His new role was confirmed by CEO Darren Wicks, who described Probyn as ‘highly regarded, respected and well-liked among his peers in the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery’.
The CEO also added that the journalist had an ‘envious track record of breaking major stories’.
His fellow journalists also welcomed Probyn's hiring with great enthusiasm. Nine’s Political Editor, Charles Croucher, took to social media to say that having Probyn join the team was 'great for us!'
Charles Croucher welcomed Andrew Probyn to the Nine team. Credit: Charles Croucher/X (Twitter)
The Age and Sydney Morning Herald’s Chief Political Correspondent David Crowe posted on social media: ‘Good news. [It] will be great to see Andrew Probyn back in the Press Gallery Corridor.’
The new position will allow Probyn to apply his talents across the network's television programs. In a statement, he said he was 'delighted' by the move.
Social media users expressed their support for Probyn, with many congratulating him on his new role.
One user wrote: ‘Great news! Congratulations, Andrew!’
‘It's the ABC's loss,’ another said.
‘It will be good to see him back,’ a third user stated.
Andrew Probyn gained notoriety in 2020 after a viral exchange with then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison, when PM Morrison repeatedly interrupted Probyn's questioning during a press conference.
The tense 24-second clip exploded on social media platforms, with countless parodies and remixes poking fun at Morrison's dismissive attitude.
You can watch the compilation of parodies here:
What do you think of Andrew Probyn’s new role, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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