Early Life and Education
Avani Dias, born on November 15, 1991, in Wattle Grove, New South Wales, is a prominent Sri Lankan Australian journalist and radio presenter. Raised in the southwestern suburbs of Sydney, Dias displayed an early interest in media and journalism, influenced partly by her mother, who is also a journalist at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Dias attended Bankstown Grammar School, graduating in 2009. She then pursued tertiary education at the University of Sydney, where she further honed her journalistic skills. During her time at the university, Dias was elected as one of ten editors for the student newspaper, Honi Soit, in early 2013, a role that marked the beginning of her journey in media.
Early Career
Dias’s career in journalism began at FBi Radio, an independent station known for fostering young talent. She credits FBi Radio for giving her a crucial start in the media industry. Concurrently, she wrote for The New Daily and worked as a production assistant at the ABC. These experiences laid a solid foundation for her future endeavors in journalism.
In 2015, Dias received a cadetship at ABC News, marking a significant milestone in her career. As a cadet, she worked as a multi-platform and video-journalist in Sydney and Darwin, later anchoring the Darwin 7PM News bulletin. Her dedication and skill quickly became evident, paving the way for more significant opportunities within the ABC.
Rise to Prominence
In December 2019, Dias was announced as the new presenter for Hack, a current affairs program on Triple J, the ABC’s youth-focused radio station. She succeeded Tom Tilley and hosted the program from 2020 until December 2021. During her tenure at Hack, Dias addressed critical issues affecting young Australians, establishing herself as a leading voice in youth journalism.
In 2021, Dias relocated to New Delhi to serve as the ABC’s international foreign correspondent for South Asia. This role involved covering a wide range of stories from the region, bringing to light significant events and issues.
Notable Achievements and Controversies
Dias’s work has earned her various accolades, including the Public Interest Award at the New South Wales Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards in 2019. Her investigative reporting has made substantial impacts, exemplified by her 2024 report for Foreign Correspondent titled “Sikhs, Spies and Murder.” This report investigated the alleged assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada by India, leading to significant diplomatic tensions. The Indian government blocked the report on YouTube and initially refused to extend Dias’s visa, though it was later extended by two months following a request from the Australian government. However, Dias chose to return to Australia due to the pressures from the Modi government, which she said made it difficult to work in India.
Upon her return, Dias is set to join Four Corners as a reporter, a role that promises to further her impact in investigative journalism.
In June 2024, Dias found herself at the center of a controversy following the release of a documentary titled “The Story Behind India’s Narendra Modi.” In this video, Dias incorrectly stated that the Indian Constitution included the word “secular” since its inception in 1947. ABC News later issued a clarification, acknowledging the error and stating that while secularism was affirmed as a basic feature of the 1950 Constitution during the 1960s, the term “secular” was officially added to the Preamble in 1976 through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure.
Conclusion
Avani Dias’s career trajectory showcases her dedication, resilience, and passion for journalism. From her early days at FBi Radio to her role as a foreign correspondent in South Asia, Dias has consistently demonstrated her commitment to uncovering the truth and addressing critical issues. As she transitions to her new role at Four Corners, the journalistic community and her audience eagerly anticipate the impactful stories she will continue to bring to light.
