Jo Puccini, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s head of investigations and current affairs, has announced her departure from the national broadcaster after more than 25 years with the organization. The announcement was made amid ongoing controversy following revelations about the conduct of former ABC reporter Mahmood Fazal.

Puccini informed staff of her decision to leave in an internal email, reflecting on her long tenure at the ABC. “I’m proud of the journalism I’ve helped produce and the impact it’s had on helping our audience understand the issues and events that affect them,” she wrote. “It’s been an adventure and a privilege to work at the national broadcaster, an institution where I’ve made lifelong friends. It’s now time for a new chapter in my career.”

Throughout her career at the ABC, Puccini held senior editorial roles across flagship programs including Four Corners, Media Watch, Lateline, 7.30, the national reporting team, and ABC Investigations. Her departure comes shortly after the broadcaster withdrew two Four Corners episodes reported by Fazal, titled Meth Highway and Cocaine Nation, due to concerns regarding his use of anonymous sources. Additionally, a third story for the program Background Briefing from 2023 was also removed amid similar concerns.

The ABC’s decision to retract these investigations has intensified scrutiny of the organization’s editorial oversight, particularly its handling of Fazal’s reporting. Puccini, as the executive in charge of Four Corners content, faced questions over her role in approving the contested stories. Media reports indicated that senior ABC officials may have been alerted to issues regarding Fazal’s journalism and alleged ties to criminal elements before his dismissal.

Fazal, who was officially dismissed by the ABC in May, had been suspended seven months earlier following an unauthorized appearance on an independent underworld crime podcast. The unfolding events have prompted broader discussions about editorial standards and oversight at the broadcaster.

Puccini’s resignation signifies a significant shift in leadership within the ABC’s investigative and current affairs division as the organization continues to address the fallout from the Fazal scandal.