Walkley Award winning Television Producer Deb Masters has today been appointed as the new Executive Producer of the ABC’s flagship Australian Story program.
In a note to staff, ABC Director of News Kate Torney stated, “Deb is one of our strongest editorial minds and has an outstanding journalistic track record. Over the course of three decades she has been a driving force in the world of quality, longer-form programming, including many years as a researcher and producer at The 7.30 Report and Four Corners and a stint in 2002 as a producer on Australian Story. Deb has also played a critical role in the production of numerous memorable television series including The Howard Years, Dynasties and 100 Years: The Australian Story.
Most recently, she was the Series Producer for The Killing Season. Deb visualised the look, tone and format of the highly-acclaimed political documentary series and managed the team of producer, researchers, archivists, online producer, editors, cameraman and assistants to deliver three compelling episodes against challenging deadlines.
Prior to that, Deb was with Four Corners from 2009-2014, where she won multiple awards including the Gold Walkley and a Logie for the “Banking Bad” episode which she co-produced.”
Masters will take over the role in mid-August replacing current EP Deb Fleming whom is retiring. While Australian Story is one of the ABC’s most successful programs, it is also often criticised for asking the hard questions of its subjects.
Kate Torney paid tribute to Fleming today stating, “Deb Fleming has been one of the ABC’s great editorial leaders and storytellers, whose contribution to the industry has been profound.
We are fortunate that we will see Australian Story go from strength to strength under Deb Masters’ leadership.”
