ABC Managing Director David Anderson departs – ABC Managing Director David Anderson has notified the ABC Board of his intention to leave the organisation following a recruitment process for his successor.
ABC Chair Kim Williams AM has asked Mr Anderson to stay on in the role until a new Managing Director has been appointed to ensure a smooth transition. This means he will remain in the role until early 2025.
Mr Anderson was appointed Managing Director in May 2019, after acting in the role from September 2018. Prior to this Mr Anderson enjoyed a thirty-year career at the ABC across a wide range of television, digital strategy and executive roles.
In a note to all ABC staff today Mr Anderson said the decision had not been an easy one.
“I am still very much committed to the importance of the ABC to the nation,” he said. “I believe it is the right moment for leadership renewal for the next stage of the ABC’s continued evolution.
“To have the opportunity to serve the Australian public and lead such talented and dedicated people across the country and overseas for what is approaching six years is humbling.
“I am grateful to Kim Williams and the Board for their support and their efforts to persuade me to stay on for my full second term. Their unabashed enthusiasm for the importance and future of the Corporation makes this decision easier. I am confident the timing is right for both me and the ABC.
“Kim has asked that I stay on in the role until a new Managing Director has been appointed to ensure a smooth transition, which I expect will be at least until the start of next year.”
ABC Chair Kim Williams said:
“David Anderson is a loyal, devoted and talented ABC executive. He has served the Corporation in the best tradition of committed public service over a long period.
“I have requested that he stay on in the role until a new Managing Director has been recruited and appointed. David’s agreement to offer support through the coming months to ensure a smooth the transition to a new Managing Director is welcome, generous and has been accepted.
“I have to say my admiration for him and his commitment to the ABC is undiminished and my respect grows ever greater. He is an exemplary executive in many ways.”
As Managing Director, Mr Anderson has brought stability to the organisation during a challenging period that has included the ABC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019 Mr Anderson defended journalists, whistle-blowers and press freedom following raids on ABC offices by the AFP.
Mr Anderson has successfully advocated for reinvestment in the ABC after several years of budget cuts, an increase in journalist numbers in regional Australia, and an expansion of services to audiences across the Indo-Pacific.
Mr Anderson has also led the national broadcaster through a period of rapidly changing audience habits and the transition to digital services.
Before stepping into the role of Acting Managing Director in September 2018, Mr Anderson was the Director, Entertainment & Specialist, responsible for all ABC radio music networks (triple j, Double j, Classic, Country and Jazz), podcasts and specialist radio content (Radio National) as well as broadcast television networks (ABCTV, ABC Kids, ABC Comedy, ABC ME), on-demand products and services (ABC iview, ABC listen, ABC Kids listen, ABC Kids) and network websites and apps.
His other roles have included Director of Television, Director of the ABC’s Digital Network and Director of Strategy & Planning.
The ABC Board will in due course begin the process to select a new Managing Director.
Media Release – ABC
Link to ABC content HERE
TV Central ABC content HERE
ABC Managing Director David Anderson departs
