Tributes and condolences from across the media industry are flowing for former ABC editorial director, SMH editor, media trailblazer and journalist, Judith Whelan, who passed away at the age of 63 on Wednesday 26 June 2024.

Whelan's death follows a prolonged battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Chris, and children, Sophia and Patrick.

"This is very sad news for all of us at the ABC. Judith was loved and respected across the ABC, especially by our radio and regional teams around the country," Anderson said, adding journalism had lost a "true fighter" in Whelan.

Judith joined the ABC in 2016 as Head of Specialist Content and was appointed Director, Regional and Local in 2019. In October 2022, she was appointed ABC Editorial Director.

"Judith was a terrific colleague and friend, caring deeply about the people she worked with and meeting every challenge with warmth, compassion and wit. Judith always had the instincts that made her such a formidable journalist. She carried with her a commitment to truth and accountability and instilled these values in those who worked with her," Anderson said.

"A valued mentor to younger journalists, Judith nurtured while leading by example. Judith was tough but caring and wanted those around her to succeed. Young reporters knew Judith would champion their work if the story needed to be told. Judith spoke her mind and was often the rare voice that called out the truth that needed to be said, regardless of the views of those around her.

"On behalf of everyone at the ABC, I send our deepest condolences to Judith's husband Chris, her children Sophia and Patrick, and all her family and friends."

Whelan was only one of three women to become editor of The Sydney Morning Herald in its 193-year history in 2016 and was also the editor of the Good Weekend for seven years from 2004 - 2011. Her career in journalism included experience as a Walkley-nominated news and feature writer, senior editor and a foreign correspondent in both the Pacific and Europe. SMH editor, Bevan Shields' described Whelan as a wonderful editor, colleague and friend.

"She was at the Herald for more than four decades and remains part of our DNA. We are heartbroken by her death," Shield said. "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."

Journalists and the wider media fraternity took to Twitter to express their sadness at the passing of Whelan.

SMH and The Age Investigative journalist, Kate McClymont, who worked with Whelan as a cadet in 1985 and remained friends, said she was "beyond heartbroken" and said she should be remembered as a trailblazer for women.

"I'm saddened to hear of the death from cancer of Judith Whelan. Late of the ABC and before that, a truly terrific Fairfax editor of high standards. She was a fine journalist and a delightful, sparkling personality," Mike Carlton said in another Tweet.

Author and former The Drum host, Julia Baird, said she was also "still reeling". "Judith Whelan was a close, true friend. I so admired her wit, her grit & her judgment. As my editor, her belief in my writing fuelled me. She loved music, dancing, opera (esp. Rigoletto!), cooking, supping on joy. I'll miss her," she wrote in a tweet.

The Guardian News Editor, Josephine Tovey, also expressed deep sadness at the news and reflected on Whelan's strengths. "A great mentor and role model to me at the SMH - she was incredibly sharp, warm, rigorous and fun. The editor you most wanted to impress, and have a drink with. My heart goes out to her lovely husband and kids."

Host of ABC Rational National, Patricia Karvelas, said Whelan was a true champion of women. "Judith was whip smart, funny and kind. Always encouraged me to keep going. I will miss her enormously."