The ABC’s head of investigations and current affairs Jo Puccini is leaving the public broadcaster as it deals with the fallout from allegations relating to content produced by sacked Four Corners reporter Mahmood Fazal.

An all-staff email confirmed her exit on Thursday afternoon, two weeks after the ABC removed two Four Corners episodes following concerns raised internally over the veracity of sources used by Fazal.

“After more than 25 years, head of investigations and current affairs, Jo Puccini is leaving the ABC,” the email from interim news boss Donna Field reads.

Fazal has denied any wrongdoing in his reporting. There is no suggestion Puccini was aware of any issues with Fazal’s reporting at the time it went to air.

Puccini held one of the most senior editorial positions at the ABC. Her remit oversaw Four Corners, Background Briefing, the overall investigations unit and until earlier this year, *7.30. *

All other people in the editorial reporting line involved with the production of the now-removed episodes of Four Corners have also left the ABC.

This masthead previously reported on allegations Fazal had repurposed an on-screen source, Ben Aitken, in up to three different roles. The allegations were originally detailed in an email to Four Corners boss Matthew Carney by a staff member in October last year, though they were not acted upon by the ABC until May, more than six months later.

The ABC removed another piece of content by Fazal on Friday, with Media Watch later raising further concerns about the veracity of a source named “Remy” who had been interviewed by Fazal for both Four Corners and Background Briefing, the ABC’s flagship audio investigative program.

Puccini’s exit, which comes just six weeks before the arrival of incoming news director Simon Robinson, leaves her replacement with a major appointment to make as one of his first acts in the new role.

During her time at the broadcaster Puccini served in senior roles at some of the ABC’s most prominent programs, including Four Corners, Lateline and 7.30. She has held the investigations and current affairs role since 2022.

“Jo has helped shape significant public interest journalism and built high-performing teams, leading to numerous Walkley awards,” acting news boss Donna Field said.

Puccini said she is proud of the journalism she has helped produce over her time at the ABC.

“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. I’ll be watching and cheering you all on to great success and important journalism that will continue to benefit the Australian public,” Puccini said.

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