The ABC’s new Director of Radio Kate Dundas has moved swiftly to put her mark on the Radio Executive group, with a reshuffle of some senior staff and the inclusion of new positions into the executive structure.
Under the former Director Sue Howard, two senior executive positions controlled all of the radio networks as part of the Executive group, a Head of Local Radio and a Head of National Networks. A big workload, which has now been broken down into more manageable parts in Dundas’ new structure.
The most senior position goes to Michael Mason, who now carries the title of Group Program Director, and his former position has been broken up between Metro and Regional responsibilities. Other new and existing positions now on the executive group are: Head Marketing Warwick Tiernan, Head Multiplatform and Content Development Linda Bracken (acting from 25/5/09 pending recruitment), Head People and Communications Vanessa Macbean, Head Technology and Digital Radio Planning Russell Stendell, Manager Policy & Administration Cathy Duff, Manager triple j Linda Bracken to 25/5/09, (then acting TBC), Manager ABC Radio National Jane Connors, Manager ABC Classic FM Richard Buckham (acting), Manager ABC NewsRadio Helen Thomas, Manager Metropolitan Local Radio to be advertised, Manager Regional Local Radio to be advertised, Manager Digital Radio Tony Walker.
Kate Dundas wrote a note to staff last week explaining the changes:
“I want to bring you up to date on proposed changes to the way we manage in ABC Radio. We are about to take steps that will have a major impact in creating the kind of ABC Radio we and our audiences want in the future. In achieving this we need to concentrate on some of the values and characteristics most important to the long-term performance, sustainability and social contribution of the Division… With this in mind, I will be changing and expanding the Radio Executive (REX) so that each of these platforms and expertise areas is represented.
The Head Local Radio position will be replaced by two new positions of Manager Metropolitan Local Radio (also with management responsibility for Radio Sport) and Manager Regional Local (also responsible for Rural). These positions will be advertised in coming weeks. The state-based Local Radio Managers will report to both these positions.
The Head National Networks position will be replaced through direct representation of the national network managers (Manager triple j, Manager ABC Classic FM, Manager ABC Radio National, Manager ABC NewsRadio) along with Manager Digital Radio.
I will be adding two other new positions to the Radio Executive. The Group Program Director will be responsible for working directly with the managers of our radio content platforms to ensure the sound and quality of our content meets the highest standards and that new talent is identified and nurtured. I have asked Michael Mason to take on this position as soon as the Metro and Regional Local Radio Managers are recruited. Michael’s long experience and clear expertise in this area will now be available across the division.
I am creating a Head Multiplatform and Content Development. This position will take responsibility for all our online output and will work with the managers to lead new developments across platforms, including in close collaboration with other divisions. The current development funding, including National Interest Initiative funding and the Regional Production Fund will move from the Radio Policy area to be managed by this position to ensure the most strategic use of these funds for new content. I have asked Linda Bracken to act in this position pending advertising in June.
I have also changed some current titles to more accurately reflect the roles being performed and incorporating a new focus of intent… I am confident that this is a much better way of supporting content making now and into the future.”
Dundas will now begin a process of strategy development with the strategic planning process to run through May and June, and a plan to be launched and implemented from July. Staff are being asked for input.