The ABC’s Director of Audiences Leisa Bacon is leaving after 10 years. She led the broadcaster through the audience launches for the ABC Kids, ABC listen, ABC NEWS apps and the log in to watch on ABC iview.

ABC Managing Director David Anderson said:

“Leisa came to the ABC with the task of centralising our marketing and audience requirements to meet changing audience engagement in an increasingly fragmented media market. The ABC needed a sharp and dynamic marketing professional to meet these significant changes in the industry and Leisa has always stepped up to the challenge.

Leisa has developed and led strategies to ensure the ABC remains relevant to audiences everywhere. She is passionate about the ABC and has been committed to making sure Australians have been aware of the contribution we make to the community through the services that entertain, inform and educate.

Leisa played a key role in managing the ABC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the ABC remained an important and central source of news, information, and entertainment during that challenging time for all Australians.

I want to thank her for her hard work and many contributions she has made across 10 years in the role. She has been a valuable executive and colleague, and we wish her well for the next stage in an already impressive career.”

Leisa said:

“Since joining the ABC I have always viewed this as the best job in the country. We serve the Australian public, contribute to culture, and literally produce the best content in the country. We, the ABC, are #1 in digital news, BVOD, TV network reach and trust.

For the first time in my career I have long service leave and I plan on using this to take an extended holiday.”

Also departing the ABC after nearly 16 years is RN Breakfast Executive Producer Julia Holman:

Leisa finishes on September 6. Karen Madden will act in her role while the ABC recruits for Bacon’s replacement.