6 News Marks New Chapter With Operations Leadership Change

After four and a half years helping shape the growth of 6 News from behind the scenes and in front of the camera, Austin Pollock has announced he will finish up with the company this week, with Roman Mackinnon to take over.

Pollock joined 6 News as a National Reporter before progressing through several senior editorial and operational roles, including National Affairs Editor, Deputy News Editor and Director of Operations. During that time, he became one of the driving forces behind the network’s expansion, helping to lead coverage across breaking news, national events and major live broadcasts.

Over recent years, Pollock played a key role in the development of 6 News’ operational systems and live production capabilities, particularly during the network’s large-scale election coverage. Those broadcasts collectively reached more than 700,000 viewers and marked a significant milestone in 6 News’ evolution as a digital-first newsroom.

Late last year he took a short break from 6 News, before returning to assist with strengtheing the operational teams.

Beyond the newsroom itself, Pollock also assisted extensively with the organisation’s broader business and operational strategy, contributing to the management and development of the 6 News website, marketing and promotional campaigns, branding initiatives, audience growth strategies and network presentation.

In 2024 alone, Pollock presented more than 287 top-of-the-hour news bulletins and anchored coverage of some of the year’s biggest events, including Budget Night 2024, ANZAC Day commemorations and the United States presidential election.

He also fronted major rolling coverage during significant breaking news events, including Cyclone Alfred, bringing live updates and continuous reporting to viewers as the situation unfolded.

Throughout his time at the desk, Pollock delivered breaking coverage of countless major domestic and international stories while continuing to maintain a strong passion for field reporting. His on-the-ground reporting included coverage from Australia Day rallies, Cyclone Alfred, and the recent documentary project surrounding the AFL’s Tasmanian Devils team.

During his tenure, Pollock also secured interviews with senior political figures, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former Queensland Premier Steven Miles, helping elevate 6 News’ growing political coverage and national profile.

Reflecting on his departure, Pollock said he was proud of the role he had played in helping shape the organisation’s growth.

“I am forever grateful for what this great company has given me,” Austin Pollock said.

“When I joined in 2022, as someone who had this lifelong passion for news, I finally found a place where I could showcase this, and I owe so much to Leo and the entire team for bringing me on board and letting me do what I love.

“6 News is a success story about how anyone has the power to shape the future, and I am so honoured to have played a part in that.”

"The time feels right for me to head off, with a big final year of school coming up."

"I came back to 6 News late last year after a short break to help with some operational things and now that has been complete it feels right to head back off again"

6 News Australia Managing Director, Leo Puglisi, said Pollock’s contribution to the organisation had been immense.

“Austin has been a huge part of the 6 News story over the past four-and-a-half years,” Puglisi said.

“From reporting in the field to anchoring major events and helping lead our operations behind the scenes, his passion and commitment to the organisation has been extraordinary. He has helped shape what 6 News is today, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he has contributed.”

As both a presenter and executive producer, Pollock contributed countless hours to live broadcasting, working extensively across editorial planning, control room operations, technical coordination and on-air coverage.

Pollock also worked closely with Roman Mackinnon across several major editorial projects. The pair collaborated extensively during their time as Queensland reporters before continuing that partnership through newsroom operations and national coverage.

Among their most notable work was the acclaimed investigation Paying the Price, which examined key issues in the Australian aviation sector and became one of 6 News’ most significant long-form reporting projects. Pollock and Mackinnon also jointly interviewed Miles, which marked the first time 6 News conducted a sit-down interview with a serving in-office politician.

Mackinnon will now take over as Director of Operations, succeeding Pollock in the role while continuing as Chief Reporter, a transition that reflects years of close collaboration between the pair both editorially and operationally.

Outgoing operations boss Austin Pollock said, "Roman's passion for news is like none other. He has fronted the 6 News reporting team for some time now, and has been nothing but fantastic and professional to work with. I know he is the right person for the job, and I cannot wait to see how 6 News continues to impact the media landscape."

Mackinnon, who joined 6 News shortly before Pollock at the end of 2021, has become one of the organisation's most recognisable reporters and a highly familiar face to viewers. As former Political Editor and current Chief Reporter, he has spent years on the front line of major political and election coverage, reporting live from campaign trails, tally rooms and press conferences across the country.

Known for his sharp questioning and relentless reporting style, Mackinnon has interviewed some of the country’s most senior political figures, including former Treasurer Wayne Swan, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, Prime Minister Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Miles across multiple interviews and election campaigns.

Mackinnon's interview with Morrison, alongside Managing Director and Chief Anchor Leo Puglisi, gained international attention and was critically acclaimed amongst Australian media heavyweights. It was featured on 'The Drum', 'Studio 10', 'TODAY', and other free-to-air programs.

Beyond reporting, Mackinnon has also become deeply involved in newsroom coordination, election logistics, editorial planning and live special event coverage, making him a natural successor to Pollock in the Director of Operations role.

“I’m incredibly excited to step into this new position and continue helping drive 6 News forward,” Mackinnon said.

“This organisation has built something truly unique in Australian media, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow our coverage, strengthen our operations and work alongside such an incredibly talented team.”

Roman Mackinnon begins his new role effective immediately in a short transition period into the role.