The ABC has appointed experienced creative and editorial manager Joe Gelonesi as ABC Classic and ABC Jazz Content Manager, to drive the national networks’ ongoing commitment to distinctive Australian music and talent.

He will oversee initiatives such as the Classic 100 and Jazz 100 countdowns, annual Festival of Female Composers, ABC Jazz Artist in Residence program and the recently-launched Composer Commissioning Fund for emerging artists.

Gelonesi, who has presented on ABC Classic, rejoins the music network as it enjoys its strongest audience reach figures on record, and he says, “The teams at ABC Classic and ABC Jazz have been brilliant at forging genuine community connections, supporting music makers – especially during the difficult times caused by COVID-19 – and engaging audiences across the country.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to champion and support their efforts to bring Australians together through the wonderful, shared love of music.”

Gelonesi has been a key member of ABC Radio National’s executive editorial team for close to two decades, including most recently as Manager of Religion & Ethics. As a senior editorial leader at RN, he oversaw specialist genres and programmes, including music and arts, science and religion.

He is a former presenter of The Philosopher’s Zone on RN and was part of the team on triple j’s first Hottest 100. He also initiated and developed the successful ABC Top 5 media residency project for early-career scholars and practitioners, across the arts, science and the humanities.

His appointment as ABC Classic and ABC Jazz Content Manager comes as Chris Scaddan, Head of Music & Creative Development in the ABC’s Entertainment & Specialist division, has been appointed to lead ABC-wide audio projects from 19 July through to the end of 2022.

Scaddan, who has been part of the ABC’s radio and music teams for almost 20 years, will work across the ABC’s three content divisions to develop a long-term strategy for audio services, including live audio/radio, on-demand content and podcasts.

Meagan Loader, who manages Double J, ABC Country and Rage, will be acting Head of Music & Creative Development for the next 18 months.

Ryan Egan, Double J’s Executive Producer, Programs, will take up Loader’s role over that time.

Chris Scaddan welcomed Gelonesi, Loader and Egan to their new roles within the ABC Music & Creative Development team, and says, “The talent and passion that they each possess is indicative of the whole team’s dedication to our audiences every day.

“After more than a year of uncertainty due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, listeners have turned to our networks for companionship, joy, inspiration and direction. The ABC’s role as an integral supporter of Australian music is more important than ever, as we plan for further success in the audio space for many years to come.”

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