ABC Chief Content Officer Chris Oliver-Taylor will depart the network at the end of February after two years in what was a newly created role by the also outgoing ABC Managing Director David Anderson.
Chris was appointed in March 2023 to lead all content platforms – audio, screen and digital. He commissioned programs in a partnership with the independent production sector including The Assembly, Austin, Bluey’s Big Play and I Was Actually There delivering an over 20% growth in weekly users on ABC iview. His radio legacy is marred by his involvement in the decision to sack ABC Radio Sydney presenter Antoinette Lattouf.
In a message to his ABC colleagues, Chris said:
“After recent discussions with the Managing Director and reflecting on my ongoing conversations with the ABC Board and the Chair across many months, I have decided to make a difficult decision and move on to new opportunities outside of the ABC. With a new MD, a renewed Board and what I think is a very positive and hopeful future, the ABC is in great shape to continue its vital role as the pre-eminent public broadcaster in Australia.
There is sadness in this decision but also pride and excitement with the slate that will roll out across 2025 and in future years.
The ABC is a vital cultural institution that will continue to deliver world-class content. I will always be a strong supporter of the ABC and public broadcasting and am deeply grateful for my time here, as well as the dedication of my ABC colleagues and the production companies that contribute to its success.”
The ABC will now discontinue the Chief Content Officer role.
Former Nine CEO Hugh Marks has been appointed to replace David Anderson, commencing in March. Chris Oliver-Taylor’s final day is February 28th. ABC Head Screen Content Jennifer Collins becomes Director of Content with immediate effect and until further notice.
Jen Seyderhelm is a writer, editor and podcaster for Radioinfo. Email: [email protected]