Women in Media names 10 partners for 2027 leadership and AI programs – Women in Media Australia has named ten founding partners for its 2027 program, bringing broadcasters, streamers, technology companies and other organisations together to support women’s leadership in the Australian media sector.
For the television industry, the partner list crosses traditional boundaries: Paramount/Network 10, Netflix, ABC and SBS are all involved. Their participation places free-to-air broadcasting and streaming alongside philanthropy, finance, law and post-production in the same national development effort.
The announcement was made at a Sydney event hosted by Thomsons, with an in-conversation featuring Senator Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance, Women, the Public Service and Government Services. Women in Media says the partnerships will support the return of its flagship national events, expand leadership development and introduce AI-related skills initiatives.
Who is supporting Women in Media in 2027?
- Major partners: Minderoo Foundation, Paramount/Network 10 and Thomsons.
- Presenting partners: Free TV Australia and Netflix.
- Supporting partners: ABC, Commonwealth Bank, Google, SBS and The Post Lounge Group.
Women in Media chair Anita Jacoby AM said investment and collaboration were necessary to turn intentions into practical opportunities.
Progress doesn’t happen through good intentions alone. It requires investment, leadership and a willingness to work together to create opportunities for women.
Anita Jacoby AM, Women in Media Australia chair
Jacoby said the partners’ backing would build capability and networks across the industry.
Our partners recognise that investing in women’s leadership benefits the entire industry and broader community. Their support enables us to deliver programs that build capability, strengthen networks and create opportunities for women to succeed.
Anita Jacoby AM, Women in Media Australia chair
Why the leadership pipeline matters
Women in Media pointed to the Chief Executive Women 2026 Senior Executive Census, which found the proportion of women in ASX 200 executive leadership roles had slipped from 32 to 31 per cent – the first decline in a decade. Women also secured just one in seven new ASX 300 chief executive appointments, down from one in four in 2025.
Those figures cover major Australian companies broadly, rather than media businesses alone. Women in Media argues they underline the need to sustain leadership development, visibility and pathways into senior decision-making roles across its own sector.
The organisation says it has a community of more than 6,500 professionals across Australia. Its work combines leadership programs, research, advocacy and professional networks with events including its national conference and the Caroline Jones AO Oration and Gala Dinner.
Further partners invited
The initial list is not the final one. Women in Media is inviting additional organisations to explore tailored 2027 partnerships across leadership development, emerging skills, research and new initiatives.
We welcome conversations with organisations that share our ambition and want to invest in leadership development, emerging skills, industry research or new initiatives. There is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future of Australian media, and we’d love to explore what we can achieve together.
Anita Jacoby AM, Women in Media Australia chair
For more TV Central media-industry news, head here, and visit Women in Media Australia for the organisation’s programs.
