National Radio News (NRN) is farewelling News Director Frank Bonaccorso after almost five years of work with the NRN and the News Collaboration project. Frank may be moving on to new challenges but a story he previously reported on took a major turn just as he prepared to leave the role.
That story was of the Nguyen family from Bathurst, a Vietnamese family facing deportation due to a visa mishap. What began as a local issue gained national attention thanks in part to Frank’s efforts.
On Frank’s last day in the Bathurst newsroom, the story took an unexpected turn. Local member for Calare, Andrew Gee, informed Frank that the news had reached Immigration Minister, Tony Burke, who was now aware of the family’s situation and in a position to intervene.
Dr Eduardo Jordan, Executive Producer of The Wire and Newsroom Coordinator at 4EB has praised Frank’s skills as a journalist as well as the mentorship he provided for community radio newsrooms around Australia.
“Frank Bonaccorso is one of the most respected journalists and news editors I have worked with. His editorial skills and journalistic experience has not only placed NRN in a good position within the sector, but also has contributed to the success of the sector’s News Network by providing feedback and support to the rest of the community newsrooms across Australia. Frank not only has become a colleague and a immense source of knowledge, but a friend that I will miss working with. I wish Frank all the best in his future endeavours and I hope to work with Frank in the near future”.
We wish Frank all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his invaluable contributions to the NRN, the News Collaboration project and the communities they serve.