ABC operations

ABC Board extends Managing Director’s term

Following the announcement that ABC Chair Ita Buttrose will not seek a second term and to end speculation about the tenure of ABC Managing Director David Anderson, the ABC Board is pleased to confirm that David Anderson has been reappointed for a further five years effective 1 July 2023.

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Applications now open for the ABC’s Trailblazers Program

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NSW youth worker, Carlee Heise is calling on young people aged 18 – 28, who have started social, educational, and economic development projects in their regional communities to apply for the ABC’s 2024 Trailblazers program.

Carlee, a participant of the 2023 Trailblazers program, is the driving force behind YAAS! (Young, Authentic and Social), an arts program for 12–24-year-olds with diverse abilities and identities living on Darkinjung Country on the Central Coast.

“Being selected as a 2023 Trailblazer has opened up so many doors and given me opportunities to experience things I never would have imagined I would be doing in my 20s.

“The support I’ve received from the ABC Trailblazers program has helped me to see what strength I already possess and use this to make change in my region.”

Hayden McDonald is a 2023 Trailblazer living on Kepa Kurl Country, Esperance, WA. Growing up on the spectrum, Hayden felt like sometimes the world wasn’t built for him. So, he combined his twin passions of aviation and promoting real inclusion for people on the spectrum by starting Wings Without Barriers.

This month Hayden will solo circumnavigate regional Australia in a light aircraft stopping to present to schools along the way to show other young people that the sky’s the limit.

“The ABC’s Trailblazers program has helped me grow Wings Without Barriers and grow as a person. It has created huge opportunities for my project and helped me connect with movers and shakers in the aviation sector.”

The Hon. Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government, passionately champions the involvement of young leaders in regional Australia.

“I’ve seen firsthand how the Trailblazers program empowers young people from rural and regional areas. It provides participants with opportunities to strengthen and inspire both themselves and their communities.

“Alumni from the Trailblazers program have gone on to achieve amazing things. I’d really encourage future leaders in the regions to get involved – you just don’t know where being a Trailblazer will take you, or what you’ll achieve.”

The Director of ABC News, Justin Stevens encourages young rural innovators to get involved in the 2024 Trailblazers program.

“Since Trailblazers launched in 2017, we have seen talented young leaders take part each year who are doing incredible work in their regional communities.

“I continue to be inspired by them and the impact they are having and look forward to seeing what great projects our young leaders are working on this year.

“The ABC is proud to bring back Trailblazers in 2024 and celebrate these talented changemakers on a national stage.”

Applications are now open for the ABC’s 2024 Trailblazers program, where the spotlight shines on the brightest new leaders making a difference in their communities. The program is an opportunity for these young entrepreneurs and changemakers to have their work celebrated nationally and to receive an incredible package of support.

Past Trailblazer projects have addressed a range of issues, such as strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, promoting the well-being of young minds, advancing sustainable farming, fostering inclusivity for individuals living with disabilities, boosting employment opportunities, ensuring quality educational access, and helping entrepreneurs in remote areas.

Applications close Wednesday 4 October 2023. To apply, visit https://www.abc.net.au/trailblazers

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Professor Michelle Simmons AO to deliver the 2023 Boyer Lectures

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The ABC has announced Professor Michelle Simmons AO FRS FAA FRSN FTSE will deliver the 2023 Boyer Lecture series.

Professor Simmons’ series of four lectures with the overarching theme, The Atomic Revolution, will explore quantum physics, manufacturing at the atomic scale, women in science, and why Australia is perfectly positioned to build the world’s first error corrected quantum computer.

Professor Simmons is the CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing and the Director at the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology at the University of New South Wales. She was the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of Nature Quantum Information.

Professor Simmons is a pioneer in atomic electronics and a global leader in quantum computing. Her achievements include developing the world’s first single-atom transistor, the world’s narrowest conducting wires, the ability to encode and read information on single atoms and the world ‘s first integrated circuit made with atomic precision.

Professor Simmons believes we are in the midst of the “space race of the computing era.” Along with her team, she is aiming to build a quantum computer capable of solving complex problems – that would otherwise take thousands of years – in minutes. Such a computer has the potential to revolutionise drug design, weather forecasting, self-driving vehicles, artificial intelligence and more.

ABC Chair Ita Buttrose said: “I am delighted that Professor Simmons will deliver this year’s Boyer lectures. She is an inspirational scientific leader and will discuss the revolution in atomic-scale manufacturing that is underway here in Australia, and the implications for building an Australian quantum computer.”

Professor Simmons has lived in Australia since 1999. “I came here in the belief that this country would be an idea place undertake audacious, big-picture technological research. I was right,” she said.

About Professor Michelle Simmons

Michelle Simmons was born in London and attended the UK’s Durham University, where she studied for a double degree in Physics and Chemistry (1985–1988). In 1992 she was awarded a PhD in high efficiency solar cells. Following a successful research position at the Cavendish where she was recognised for her work on the “0.7 structure” and for the study of metallic states in very pure transistors, she was awarded a QEII Fellowship in 1999 and moved to Australia, where she became a founding member of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Technology. She has since been awarded two Federation Fellowships and a Laureate Fellowship, the Australian Research Council’s most prestigious awards of this kind.

Professor Simmons is a Fellow of the Royal Society, the American Academy of Arts and Science, the American Association of the Advancement of Science, the UK Institute of Physics, the American Physical Society, the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering and of the Australian Academy of Science.

She has been awarded the Bakerian Medal from the Royal Society in the UK, the American Foresight Institute Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology, the George R Stibitz Computer and Communications Pioneer Award from the American Computer Museum and was named Asia Pacific 2017 L’Oreal-UNESCO Women in Science Laureate. She was the 2018 Australian of the Year and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2019.

The Boyer Lecture series, named after former ABC Chairman Sir Richard Boyer, is a series of lectures from a prominent Australian invited to express their thoughts on major social, cultural, scientific or political issues. The first lecture will screen live on ABC TV and ABC iview on Thursday 19 October at 8pm. ABC RN will broadcast the four lectures weekly from Sunday 22 October at 9.30am.

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ABC signs MOU with Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC) have exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The agreement was signed recently in Port Vila during the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union’s Pacific Media Partnerships Conference hosted by VBTC and reflects both national broadcasters’ enduring commitment to a collaborative relationship.

Under the MOU, the ABC and VBTC recognise both organisations’ role in supporting independent media and contributing to democracy in the Pacific, as well as their value as leading cultural institutions and shared commitment to serving the public interest through information, education and entertainment.

More broadly, the MOU also seeks to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the people of Australia and Vanuatu and builds on a long and robust relationship between ABC and VBTC.

VBTC CEO Francis Herman said: “VBTC and the ABC are both firmly committed to their public sector media remit to investigate issues of importance to our citizenries and to inform, educate and entertain for the benefit of the people. We are delighted that this MOU formalises our ongoing support for one another. The people to people links we are developing between our organisations will underpin further collaboration to deliver mutual benefits.”

ABC International Services Head Claire M. Gorman said: “The ABC is proud to partner with VBTC. We look forward to deepening our engagement as we continue to invest in our partnership and our people, and we are always looking for shared opportunities to better serve our shared audiences in the region.”

VBTC presently provides FM transmission services to the ABC for the broadcast of ABC Radio Australia in Vanuatu on 103FM and the ABC and VBTC are developing a pilot local journalism project to foster the creation and sharing of ni-Vanuatu stories.

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Rachel Millar appointed Head of Entertainment

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The ABC is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Millar as the new Head of Entertainment, overseeing programs such as Hard Quiz, The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, Gruen and the Fresh Blood comedy initiative.

Millar brings to the role exceptional leadership, and a wealth of production experience across programs including Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell, Rove, Andrew Denton’s Interview, Spicks and Specks, Kath and Kim and Aunty Donna.

Rachel Millar said: “I fell in love with Entertainment shows growing up watching the ABC, so it’s an honour to be given the opportunity to take on the role of Head of Entertainment. The ABC has been the home of so many groundbreaking entertainment programs over the years, it’s a thrill to be able to continue the tradition of fostering great Australian talent, both in front of and behind the camera.”

Millar has been the acting Head of Entertainment since August 7 and takes up the position with the ABC Content division effective immediately. Joining Head of Scripted Rachel Okine, Head of Factual Susie Jones, Head of Children’s and Family Libbie Doherty and Head of Arts, Music and Events Kath Earle — Millar rounds out an all-female Screen leadership team reporting to Jennifer Collins.

Jennifer Collins, herself a former Head of Entertainment at ABC and now as ABC’s Head of Screen Content, welcomed Rachel’s appointment: “I am thrilled to have Rachel at the helm of our entertainment slate. She is one of the best and most highly respected creative entertainment execs in this country and I can’t wait for her to get her hands on the development slate for our ABC audiences who love their comedy & entertainment”.

Millar has developed and produced comedy and entertainment programming for both the independent production sector and for the ABC.

ABC Chief Content Officer Chris Oliver-Taylor said: “I am delighted that with Rachel’s appointment, the ABC’s Entertainment, Factual, Arts, Music & Events, Children’s and Family and Scripted teams are all led by female leaders. It is a wonderful testament to Jen Collins as Head of Screen and her leadership that we have managed to attract and retain colleagues of the calibre of Susie Jones, Libbie Doherty, Kath Earle, Rachel Okine and now joined by Rachel Millar.”

ABOUT RACHEL MILLAR

Rachel Millar joined the ABC in 2021 as an Executive Producer in Entertainment, and in her time has overseen flagship programs including Gruen, Spicks and Specks, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and Question Everything. Prior to that, she was an Executive Producer, Series Producer and Development Producer across Entertainment and Comedy. She has had a hand in producing Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell, Rove, Andrew Denton’s Interview, Adam Hills In Gordon St Tonight, Dirty Laundry Live, and Kath and Kim. She also produced comedy web series’ A Message from Malcolm, and the acclaimed Aunty Donna: Glennridge Secondary College.

Freedom of information and media freedom have never been more important — nor more at risk, says DG8, a group of eight international public media organizations

Trusted news and verified information from independent public service media has never been more important, nor more challenging to produce, warned the DG8, a group of eight international public media organizations, at the conclusion of its annual summit.

As an increasing number of countries around the world censor independent media and violate press freedom, DG8 members called on international organizations to protect freedom of information and media freedom, both of which are essential to democratic societies and the protection of human rights. For example, more must be done to protect people’s right to Internet access and to curb Internet censorship.

Leaders from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the BBC World Service, CBC/Radio-Canada, Deutsche Welle, France Médias Monde, NHK WORLD-JAPAN, SRG SSR, and the United States Agency for Global Media met on October 4 and 5 in Montréal, under the presidency of CBC/Radio-Canada.

“Never has reliable news and information been so important and yet so under attack. In the face of growing disinformation, threats to the safety of journalists, funding pressures, and challenges to their continued existence, public service media must continue to demonstrate to their citizens that trusted, independent information is essential to a healthy society. The DG8 remains committed to addressing our common challenges, to better serve our publics and strengthen democracies around the globe.”

Catherine Tait, President and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada

In response to the challenges faced in the production and distribution of trusted news, the DG8 agreed to work together to address:

  • Misinformation and disinformation, which continue to proliferate. One response to these challenges is for news organizations worldwide to help audiences distinguish between what is real and what is fake. DG8 members each champion such efforts in different ways — some have adopted standards such as the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) certification from Reporters Without Borders (RSF), while others have focused on content provenance through initiatives such as the new Content Credentials standard. Launched in 2019, Content Credentials (originally called “Project Origin”) has evolved into an open-source, universal standard that is cryptographically secure, informing audiences when content has been altered or amended from its original state. This end-to-end solution was developed by an industry-wide group of content publishers, distribution platforms, and equipment manufacturers known as the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). The group includes the BBC, CBC/Radio-Canada, The New York Times, Microsoft, Adobe, Omnicom, Publicis, Intel, Sony, and Arm.

  • News content blocking by intermediaries such as social media platforms and public authorities, which results in restricted access to audiences and decreased audience reach by public service media. The DG8 will monitor the policies and practices of digital giants such as Meta, which is blocking access to news content on its Facebook and Instagram platforms in Canada and phasing-out Facebook News in the United Kingdom, France and Germany. The DG8 will also study the impact of blocking access to public media content and consider the implications for other countries.

  • Increasing threats to journalists’ safety, which is contributing to a worldwide decline in media freedom. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 16 journalists have been killed so far in 2023, and 65 are missing. DG8 members will explore how they can respond more effectively, both individually and collectively.

  • The use of Artificial Intelligence in newsrooms. The DG8 will discuss establishing common standards and practices regarding AI.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will assume the presidency of the DG8 in 2024.

Jen Oldershaw appointed ABC listen Lead

The ABC is pleased to announce the appointment of top radio executive and former triple j presenter Jen Oldershaw as the ABC listen lead.

Oldershaw brings to the role extensive experience across public and commercial radio broadcasting. Rising to prominence early in her career as a presenter on triple j and later a producer, Oldershaw was a founding member of Nova 969 and Vega 95.3 (now Smooth FM), implementing significant strategic projects as part of these networks.

ABC listen is a strategic priority for the ABC and the go-to for audiences to live stream their favourite stations, listen to Australia’s top podcasts and keep up to date with news.

“I’m excited to be taking on such an important role with ABC listen. It’s already the home to so much great ABC audio and I’m looking forward finding new ways to get that into the ears of as many people as possible,” Oldershaw said.

In 2015, Oldershaw returned to the ABC as Content Director at Radio Sydney, managing program teams across linear, digital and social. In her most recent role as National Content Editor of Capital City Radio, she commissions national content, drives network strategy projects and collaborates with the broader ABC business on tentpole events.

Reporting to Head Digital Content and Innovation, Angela Stengel, Oldershaw commences in the ABC listen role on October 31.

Stengel said: “I am delighted that Jen has chosen ABC listen for her next career move. Jen’s experience has traversed brands, taking her from music to talk, and from young to broad audiences.

“ABC listen is a priority product as we transition to become a digital-first media organisation and Jen’s content expertise is driven by a commitment to quality, a deep understanding of the craft, and the ability to draw insights from data. These skills are vital to the next evolution of ABC listen.”

ABOUT JEN OLDERSHAW

Jen Oldershaw is a media professional with a career spanning 30 years in the radio industry as a content maker, manager and most recently National Content Editor of the Capital City Network where she commissions content for the national network, collaborates across the ABC for major projects as well as initiating and driving network strategy for Local Radio.

She has a long association with the ABC having started her career as a presenter on triple j at the very beginning of its national expansion. She presented and produced many programs on the network including Breakfast, Drive and the Morning Show, where she hosted important conversations on current and cultural affairs for the national youth audience. More recently as Content Director of ABC Sydney she managed all broadcast, digital and social teams and content for the station.

Oldershaw saw the birth of two new radio networks as a founding member of both Nova 969 and Vega 95.3 (now Smooth FM) in doing so was highly involved in their early strategic visions, successes and challenges. Away from the day to day of radio, as AFTRS Radio Lecturer she was part of a small team delivering highly focussed and practical industry training to the new generation of content makers.

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Former commando Heston Russell has won his defamation case against the ABC and been awarded $390,000 after a federal court judge found the public broadcaster did not prove its reporting was in the public interest.

However Justice Michael Lee did not find Russell’s “oral evidence as to his hurt to feelings persuasive” and did not award aggravated damages.

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From Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland

New appointments to the ABC Board

The Albanese Government has appointed Ms Nicolette Maury and Ms Louise McElvogue as non-executive Directors to the ABC Board for five-year terms.

Ms Maury is the CEO of Avani Solutions. She has a strong background in business across real estate, banking and ecommerce, having spent more than 15 years working in digital organisations in Australia and overseas.

Ms Maury’s previous roles have included Head of Europe Product Transformation Office for Grupo Santander, CEO at Asto Digital Ltd, Vice President and Managing Director of Intuit Australia, and various roles with eBay Australia. In 2013, Ms Maury won the Australian Financial Review BOSS Young Executive of the Year Award.

Ms McElvogue has an extensive background in journalism, communications, marketing and board governance in Australia and internationally. She also has significant business experience leading digital projects for brands like McDonald’s and building the UK’s first video streaming services for the BBC and Channel 4. Ms McElvogue has considerable experience working across health, education, finance and technology.

Ms McElvogue is currently concluding a year serving as interim CEO of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and is an Adjunct Professor in the Business School at the University of Technology Sydney. She currently serves as a non-executive Director of online education provider, Cluey Ltd, and President of the Australian Institute of Company Directors NSW Council.

Both these non-executive Directors were nominated for appointment by the independent Nomination Panel as part of the merit-based appointment process for the ABC and SBS Boards.

The Government acknowledges the contributions of Mrs Fiona Balfour AM and Mr Joseph Gersh AM who previously served in these roles.

A selection process to fill the upcoming vacancy for the role of Chairperson of the ABC Board is currently underway. It is being conducted by the independent Nomination Panel for ABC and SBS appointments, supported by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, and an external executive search agency.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“I congratulate Ms Maury and Ms McElvogue on their appointments to the ABC Board and wish them well in their roles.

“The ABC, like many media organisations, faces significant challenges in today’s media environment, grappling with evolving audience trends, audiences who are increasingly consuming media digitally, and new technologies changing how their work is conducted.

“The appointment of these two highly accomplished women to the Board will bolster the public broadcaster’s digital transformation, media and governance acumen as the ABC implements its Five Year Plan.”

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ABC Annual Report 2022-23

The ABC’s Annual Report 2022-23 was tabled in Parliament by the Minister for Communications on October 20, 2023.

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Stats from annual report

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Key points from the annual report

Young people Takeover Lismore

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The ABC’s Takeover program is heading to the town of Lismore in the Northern Rivers of NSW in 2024.

A partnership between the ABC, the Office for Youth and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), Takeover offers young people a platform for their unique voices and perspectives to be heard and celebrated.

Justin Stevens, ABC Director of News, said the ABC was looking forward to bringing Takeover to Lismore.

“Takeover is a celebration of local community and gives a voice to the young people who live there,” he said.

“The Lismore community has shown immense resilience over recent years. The ABC is looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with Lismore’s young people to help bring their stories to the nation.”

Over the coming months, young people from across Lismore and surrounding regions will participate in storytelling workshops to help craft their personal narrative pieces for submission.

In early 2024, at least 35 winners will be selected and have their stories produced as ABC content, before attending the Takeover Youth Summit in May.

The summit will bring together young people, community leaders and partners of the program to develop youth-led ideas to make their community an even better place to live for young people.

The Takeover program would not be possible without the support of the Office for Youth, which co-funds the program with the ABC.

“We’re excited to be coming on board to sponsor Takeover for the first time, helping empower young people in Lismore to share their stories and experiences,” said Minister for Youth Dr Anne Aly.

“The Takeover program complements our new Youth Engagement Model, giving young people opportunities to be heard on the issues that matter to them.”

To further support ideas developed at the Takeover Summit, FRRR will offer support to community organisations to adopt and adapt the ideas developed by Summit participants.

Find out more information about the program at: abc.net.au/takeoverlismore

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Text of lecture:

Recently, I’ve been one of those people avoiding the news. I’ve spent this year doing jobs in front of and behind the camera that have given me a break from immersion in the daily news cycle and that’s been a relief. What is going on, when the news is losing not just its regular audience, but alienating a career newshound like me?

News avoidance and declining trust are media discussions going on around the world right now, from the BBC to The New York Times, and at every major organisation in between.

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The ABC’s 2024 Showcase (upfronts) will be held at its Ultimo HQ on Thursday, November 9.

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