Judith Whelan, a former editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and senior executive at the ABC, has been remembered as a trailblazer for women in media and a fierce advocate for quality journalism following her death on Wednesday afternoon. She was 62. Whelan was one of only three women to become editor of the Herald in its 193-year history.
She also edited the Good Weekend for seven years and is widely regarded as one of the magazine’s most dynamic and successful leaders. Former Herald editor Judith Whelan in an afternoon news conference in 2015. Credit: Wolter Peeters Whelan died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital surrounded by husband Christopher Henning, daughter Sophia and son Patrick.
She had been battling cancer for several years. Herald editor Bevan Shields said Whelan was adored by the newsroom. “Judith was a wonderful editor, colleague and friend,” he said.
“She was at the Herald for more than four decades and remains part of our DNA. We are heartbroken by her death. “She had a finely tuned news radar but also revelled in journalism that could entertain and inform readers.
She was a natural leader and a beautiful person. Our thoughts are with Chris, Sophia and Patrick.” Lisa Davies, the Herald editor between 2017 and 2021, said Whelan had “journalism in her veins”.
From left: Former editors Amanda Wilson, Lisa Davies and Judith Whelan pictured in 2021 to mark the Herald’s 190th birthday. Credit: James Brickwood “She had the compassionate touch of someo.
