ABC operations

Television ABC
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Incredible quote from Marks:

“If we’re able to create two more Bluey in the next five years, our children’s content and our children’s services will have strong foundations for a long period of time.”

Bluey was lightning in a bottle. There’s next to zero chance that they’ll be able to have success like it anytime soon, letalone twice. But I guess this is just the media executive mindset.

It feels like we’ve been in a loop of new executives joining the upper ranks of the ABC and saying now, finally, we will “be audience-focused”, but nothing seems to actually change day-to-day.

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ABC International Development launches international media networking platform

Circular logo with colorful woven ribbons and the text "Indo-Pacific Media Network" beside it.

The Indo-Pacific Media Network launches this week, linking “alumni” from ABC International Development (ABCID) programs and creating a dynamic way for journalists and media professionals in Asia and the Pacific to exchange ideas, build relationships and identify career development opportunities.

The Network will operate via a newly created private Facebook Group and is open to anyone who has participated in ABCID programs.

ABCID Manager Jo Elsom said, “We are building a cross-border community to harness the unlimited potential of approximately 6,000 media professionals across 23 countries in the Indo-Pacific region who have been part of ABCID programs since 2020.”

“This will be a dedicated space for ongoing learning and professional development, where media professionals who are passionate about serving their communities and the public interest can lean on each other to navigate industry challenges such as information integrity, skills development, business sustainability, artificial intelligence and mis- and disinformation.”

ABCID will manage the network, developed in consultation with media from 10 countries in Asia and the Pacific. ABCID supports leaders, journalists, content makers, broadcast technicians and media organisations working in news, sport, content production, behaviour change communications and media sector development.

Learn more about how to join the Indo-Pacific Media Network here.

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The same children’s services that are on Channel 22 only now since you thought closing ABC Me was a good move?

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702 has been running competitions for someone to win a guided tour of the new studios in Parramatta.

Why not have an open day? Are you that ashamed at something that wasn’t needed?

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tbf the change happened before Mr Marks took on his role

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I believe the ABC should seriously reconsider establishing a dedicated children’s channel—or channels—if it hopes to succeed in this space. By creating a platform outside of iView that’s solely focused on both existing and original children’s programming, and pairing it with a fully local content strategy, the ABC could foster stronger audience loyalty. This would require not only producing high-quality Australian content, but also developing a distinctive presentation style that resonates with young viewers—without falling into the trap of simply mimicking CBBC or CBeebies. Done well, this approach could position ABC’s broadcast platforms as the first destination for children, rather than losing them to iView or competing streaming services.

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The ABC has a good habit of failing the teenage demos both on TV and radio. What good is getting TTG and TDI among others if you can’t promote or have them somewhere visible.

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Huh? Watch - ABC Kids

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The spaces overall are quite small compared to standalone facilities like Ultimo. If they had an open day, it’d probably need to be ticketed and the quantity of people you could have through would be fairly small.

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More quotes from Hugh Marks at the media round table at ABC’s Ultimo HQ yesterday.

Speaking at a media round table in the ABC’s Ultimo board room, Marks — himself a veteran of the production industry — conceded: “We’ve been renowned as a difficult organisation to deal with for external producers.”

Marks, who took charge of the ABC five months ago, said that he and the ABC’s screen division director Jennifer Collins were working to put that right.

“Jen and I are having a series of meetings with the sector to try and change that. And we are looking at different ways of working with the external sector to make those partnerships work better and I think we’re having some success on that early on.

“I would say that the ABC is probably fifth or sixth in the rung of where you might pitch your best show to. We’re very focused on taking us up near the top. That’s a revolution to be able to get to that position where we are seeing the best ideas coming through.”

https://mumbrella.com.au/were-renowned-as-a-difficult-partner-for-the-production-sector-but-thats-going-to-change-abc-boss-hugh-marks-885291

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Yes, but if ABC were to revive a free-to-air children’s channel under a similar framework to what ABC3 was originally proposed to have, it could solve multiple issues at once. It would give children’s content a dedicated 24/7 home, allow ABC to legitimately claim it operates a 100% Australian kids’ channel showcasing local content, and provide a consistent outlet for Australian creators and producers to develop children’s television for ABC. The more content produced, the greater the chances of generating hit series; more hits would create revenue streams, which in turn could provide an avenue for ABC to self-fund further productions across the broader corporation in all genres.

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Kids aren’t watching linear TV channels - they much prefer on demand iView which is why the service does so well.

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Doesn’t matter having a linear service to programme in the first instance should be part of their charter obligations and allows a linear home for the programming to air servicing its entire audience across the county.

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That may be true, but you could just as easily argue the ABC has a history of “following the crowd” — moving ABC Kids (and ABC Me) onto streaming because everyone else was — and now talking up the need for more hits largely because they’re smarting over not capitalising better on Bluey.

If you actually built a channel with age-appropriate, locally produced content that’s compelling for its audience — and delivered it in a distinct, dynamic, and genuinely entertaining way — who’s to say kids, tweens, and teens wouldn’t choose that over yet another generic streaming feed?

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ABC announces Bonner Committee Scholarship recipients for 2025

The ABC congratulates the recipients of the 2025 Bonner Committee scholarships, Bridget Caldwell-Bright and Peter Green.

The scholarships were announced at an Awards dinner last night at the conclusion of the 2025 Indigenous Staff Conference.

The scholarships honour the legacy of the late Neville Bonner AO and reinforces the ABC’s commitment to Indigenous representation, development, and inclusion. The scholarships are awarded to current ABC employees to enhance their skills and develop their careers.

Melbourne-based editorial advisor Bridget Caldwell-Bright has received the scholarship for leadership and Peter Green - a member of the Content Production Technology team in Perth - has received the development scholarship.

Bonner Committee Chair 2022-25 Dan Bourchier said: “The Bonner Scholarships are an important way of the Bonner Committee creating avenues for fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues, with access to professional development, training, and educational opportunities that can accelerate career growth and leadership pathways. By investing in Indigenous talent, the scholarships aim to retain skilled staff and support their personal development and growth, and advancement into influential roles across the organisation.”

Bridget Caldwell-Bright - Leadership

Bridget is the editorial adviser to the ABC state and regional newsrooms and the primary editorial policy adviser for News on issues that relate to First Nations people.

As the recipient of the Bonner Committee leadership scholarship, she will take part in a short-term international exchange with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), with a focus on Editorial Standards to assist her professional development. Bridget will participate in an observational and knowledge exchange placement with the CBC Office of Editorial and Journalistic Standards, and the CBC Indigenous Unit.

Peter Green - Development

Peter’s current role at the ABC in Perth is an assistant technologist, providing technical support to ensure broadcast and business continuity.

His development scholarship involves a placement in the content production engineering team, with a specific focus on developing DataMiner Skills. The scholarship will increase Peter’s hands-on experience, and technical knowledge.

Last night, Dan Bourchier also welcomed Solua Middleton as the incoming Bonner Committee Chair and new Head of First Nations Audio.

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ABC appoints Head of Indigenous Audio

Solua Middleton

The ABC is pleased to announce the appointment of Solua Middleton as Head of Indigenous Audio.

Solua is Chair of the Bonner Committee, where she played a key role in shaping the ABC’s Listen Loudly, Act Strongly anti-racism initiative*.* The Bonner Committee is the ABC’s primary advisory body on issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, content and communities.

A proud Torres Strait Islander woman, Solua has over 25 years of experience in the media industry, including 15 years with the ABC where she is co-executive producer of ABC News Story Lab’s Deep Time project. She was previously co-executive producer of the ABC’s national project Right Wrongs, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, an ABC radio and ABC Open producer and features writer. Earlier in her career, she was a journalist with The Koori Mail and NITV National News and founder and publisher of the Gold Coast Indigenous Newspaper Be Counted.

Solua Middleton: “I’m really excited to be joining the Audio division as their inaugural Head of Indigenous Audio and working with Ben Latimer and the division’s leadership team. I see a real potential to strengthen our connection and service to Indigenous audiences and explore new ideas to build on the highly respected work of our flagship programs Speaking Out and Awaye! I’ve been passionately telling Indigenous stories for several decades and am looking forward to continuing to amplify those stories for all Australians.”

In the newly created Head of Indigenous Audio role, Solua will collaborate with Indigenous communities, creators, and ABC teams to strengthen cultural representation, and ensure culturally appropriate editorial leadership across all content. She will also be responsible for expanding opportunities for Indigenous talent and championing First Nations voices, stories, and perspectives across ABC radio networks and on-demand audio platforms.

ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer: “This is a landmark appointment for the ABC Audio division and a vital step in strengthening our First Nations storytelling. Solua is a tireless advocate and supporter of colleagues and the broader Indigenous community. She will play a key strategic and creative role leading the development and delivery of Indigenous content and partnerships across ABC Audio. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

Solua received the Henry Mayer Media Prize in 2005, a Clarion Award for the Aftermath project and Human Rights Media Awards for Right Wrongs, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. She has also served on the Walkley Judging Board and recently completed the prestigious Dr John Yu Fellowship with the University of Sydney Business School.

Solua starts in the role on November 3.

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ABC Commercial secures first content deal with UYoung’s UKIDS platform, expanding footprint in China

ABC Commercial has announced a major deal with China’s UYoung, securing the sale of** Ready, Steady, Wiggle! Series 4–7, Wiggle & Learn and Big Words, Small Stories to UYoung’s UKIDS app, one of China’s most trusted streaming platforms for children’s enlightenment education.

This milestone sale marks ABC Commercial’s first distribution into the tightly regulated and highly competitive Chinese market. It reflects a sharpened strategic focus on Asia and a growing appetite in the region for premium, educational content.

UKIDS, a preferred platform for curated international edutainment, will localise both titles to be made available across China. The deal strengthens the global presence of ABC Commercial’s preschool slate and represents a significant achievement for its production partners, including The Wiggles and Moody Street Kids .

Alex Zhou, ABC Commercial’s Content Sales Manager for Asia & MENA , played a key role in facilitating the agreement through his experience in China’s complex distribution landscape.

“Breaking into China is no easy feat. It is one of the most tightly regulated media markets in the world, with high expectations around content quality, educational value and cultural sensitivity,” said Zhou. “UKIDS’ parent company, UYoung Media, is one of the most iconic distributors of children’s content and IP management in China and a key contact for foreign programming. Their strong relationships with media platforms, combined with their 25 years of experience, deep market insight were critical to making this happen. It’s becoming more restrictive, but the fact our content is breaking through speaks volumes.”

Clara Yang, Vice President International Business at UYoung , said: “We are delighted to have acquired this incredibly strong raft of shows to add to the high-quality content offering on our Ukids app. The Wiggles is one of the most enduring and anticipated children’s programs worldwide, with music and performances loved by kids across generations. We are excited to bring this timeless program and experience to children in China. Parents are increasingly seeking programs that both educate and entertain, and Ukids has become their primary destination for a carefully curated selection of English content, providing a truly immersive environment for language learning. These new titles will strengthen the Ukids app as China’s leading preschool animation platform, and cement UYoung’s position as the nation’s leading Kids and Family entertainment company.”

With Ready, Steady, Wiggle!, Wiggle & Learn and Big Words, Small Stories firmly within the preschool edutainment category, the titles align perfectly with China’s growing demand for content that supports English language learning, social development and early cognitive skills. Ready, Steady, Wiggle! Series 4 & 5 and Big Words, Small Stories will launch on UKIDS from mid-October 2025. This will be followed by Wiggle & Learn and Ready, Steady, Wiggle! Series 6 & 7 from 1 January 2026.

This latest partnership builds on ABC Commercial’s broader commitment to growing Australian content exports into Asia. It follows successful launches across Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea. As interest continues to grow from Chinese agencies and platforms, ABC Commercial is well placed to expand further in the market.

Kate Chiodo, CEO of The Wiggles , said, “It’s wonderful to see The Wiggles reaching children and families in China through this partnership with UYoung and ABC Commercial. For over 30 years we’ve been sharing songs, stories and plenty of Wiggly fun with children around the world, and it’s exciting to know that families in China will now be part of that journey. At the heart of what we do is helping children learn and grow through music and play, and we’re proud that this spirit will now be enjoyed by a whole new audience.”