Leading radio executive Ben Latimer joins the ABC as Head of Audio Content – The ABC is thrilled to welcome leading radio executive Ben Latimer to the Content division as the new Head of Audio Content, overseeing Capital City Networks, Sport, Audio Studios, Audio Strategy, Radio National, Music Networks including triple j, Double J, triple j Unearthed, ABC Jazz, ABC Country and ABC Classic.
Latimer is the former head of programming for the Nova network, who was named one of Radio Today’s Top 20 Most Influential People in Australia.
He takes up the newly created position with the ABC Content division on July 31, reporting to the ABC’s Chief Content Officer, Chris Oliver-Taylor.
“Being appointed to such a vital role within the national broadcaster is truly an honour and I am acutely aware of the challenges that come with this new responsibility,” Latimer said.
“I look forward to leading our exceptional ABC Audio and Radio teams to continue what they do best: creating captivating content that is distinct, high-quality and reflects the essence of Australia.
“While the speed and breadth of changes in the audio landscape are profound, I hold an unwavering optimism for the future and the distinctive role that the ABC will play.”
Chris Oliver-Taylor said
“The ABC delivers the most comprehensive radio and on demand audio offering of any media organisation in Australia. It is complex, broad, and vital for all Australians across this vast continent. I am delighted that Ben has decided to join the ABC and take on that challenge”.
Latimer is a multiple Australian Commercial Radio Award (ACRA) winner and Australian Radio Network (ARN) Program Director of the Year.
In the past six years, he has held various leadership positions within programming at Nova, in nearly every market. As the head of programming with a weekly listenership of over 6 million, his leadership played a pivotal role in driving national output at Nova.
Chris Oliver-Taylor said
“Ben is an exceptional leader who lives and breathes radio, his experience alongside the ABC’s audio executive team, is exactly what we need as we look to increase our audiences across all of our output, be that live and local or our significant podcast and OnDemand content. I can’t wait to welcome Ben to the ABC.”
Prior to his time with Nova, Latimer spent five years with Foxtel as program director of the music channels, later moving to a role looking after on-demand content, overseeing the company’s transition from a traditional broadcast model to on-demand consumption.
He started his career at ARN working initially with Adelaide’s 5DN before moving to FM where he was content director at Mix 102.3. He was later executive producer of WSFM’s hit breakfast show Jonesy and Amanda for five years.
Latimer is the third high-profile appointment to the Content division this month, following the recruitment of Rachel Okine from Stan as Head of Scripted, and Susie Jones from Netflix, as Head of Factual.
ABOUT BEN LATIMER
With a wealth of experience in senior leadership roles within the audio industry spanning over 15 years, Latimer has been at the forefront of shaping audio content strategies at Nova Entertainment and ARN.
In his most recent position as Head of Programming for Nova 96.9, Nova 919, and the national network, Latimer oversaw the creative direction, ideation, and content strategies across multiple major metro radio stations.
Throughout his career, Latimer has collaborated with leading audio talents in both music and talk formats, including personalities such as Jonesy & Amanda Keller, Chrissie, Sam & Brownie, and Kate, Tim & Marty. He played a crucial role in recruiting and guiding Ben & Liam from Triple J to host NOVA Breakfast in Adelaide and Melbourne, contributing to their success and innovation.
Before joining NOVA Entertainment, Latimer led Foxtel’s On Demhttps://www.tvcentral.com.au/news-abc/and teams. Prior to his tenure at Foxtel, he served as the Executive Producer of Sydney’s Jonesy & Amanda Show and held the position of Content Director at Australian Radio Network’s flagship station, Mix106.5 (now KIIS1065).
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