Mandi Wicks has been appointed the director of news and current affairs at SBS.
Currently SBS’s director of audio and language content, she will begin the new role in late September.
Ms Wicks said it was a “great privilege” to lead the SBS news and current affairs team.
“There is no other news provider that understands and reflects Australia like SBS, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to ensure we continue to play a crucial role in providing diverse perspectives from Australia and around the globe, in service of the SBS,” she said.
Ms Wicks began her career as a journalist before moving into news management roles, working at the likes of the Macquarie Radio Network and Southern Cross Austereo.
During her time at SBS, she has helped evolve the organisation's audio and language content offering, including SBS Radio’s digital services.
She also introduced initiatives such as to assist new arrivals into Australia and the .
SBS managing director James Taylor said Ms Wicks is an “exceptional leader and innovator”.
“Mandi demonstrates an unrelenting dedication to SBS’s purpose in everything she does,” he said.
“Mandi’s leadership of a diverse and complex team of over 300 staff – and their unrivalled connections with communities - is critical to SBS’s unique offering in the Australian media landscape”.
Ms Wicks will replace outgoing director of news and current affairs Jim Carroll, who announced his retirement in March.
Jim Carroll announced his retirement in March, 2020. Source: SBS
Mr Taylor thanked Mr Carroll for his service in the role over the last seven years.
“This position has been amplified in recent months as Australians have turned to SBS for reliable and comprehensive coverage of COVID-19 news and developments, and I’m grateful for Jim’s commitment, staying on with us longer than planned to steer the team through this unprecedented period,” Mr Taylor said.
