ABC operations

Television ABC
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Taxpayers slugged with $2.5m bill in ABC’s defence after it unlawfully terminated Antoinette Lattouf

Taxpayers forked out $2.5m in external costs to fund the ABC’s defence after it was sued for unlawful termination by journalist Antoinette Lattouf.

Appearing at his first Senate estimates since coming into the role in June, Mr Marks said current external costs, like legal representation had amounted to $2.5m, however there could be further expenses related to the settling of final accounts and a potential cost hearing.

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The Local and Independent News Association (LINA) has welcomed an ABC proposal to expand its regional content sharing program, saying it would be a good use of public resource that need not conflict with commercial operators.

LINA executive director Claire Stuchbery told Mumbrella in a written response that she would welcome the expansion.

“There is no news network that covers all of Australia, so the more we can collaborate and then tailor relevant content to local audiences the better,” she said.

“With a shared objective of keeping communities informed, content sharing makes sense so long as it’s relevant to the community any given newsroom is serving.”

‘The more we collaborate, the better’: LINA welcomes ABC news sharing expansion

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Professor Wolfers’ Boyer lecture is now available on ABC Listen.

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The ABC is heading to trial after mediation failed in a Federal Court case brought by the MEAA, initially using Tom Scott, a Play School staffer as a test case over the ABC’s use of fixed-term contracts. Since then, the ABC has converted 150 staff to permanent contracts, including Scott.

It came after The Guardian Australia’s Amanda Meade reported last week that more than than 100 ABC workers who were on rolling casual contracts have been offered permanent employment.

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The ABC champions Ausmusic Month this November

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For more than 25 years, Ausmusic Month has been a cornerstone of the ABC’s celebration of Australian music, and this November is no exception.

Kicking off on Saturday, 1 November, the month-long celebration will launch with triple j, Double J and ABC Country playing nothing but Australian music, all day long.

Throughout November, the triple j network will continue to celebrate the best in Australian music with the J Awards and the triple j 50 tour, culminating in Ausmusic T-Shirt Day on Thursday, 27 November , a national initiative supporting local artists and the teams behind them via music industry charity, Support Act.

The momentum continues across the ABC , with an expanded slate of Australian music content: expect more live performances on ABC Classic , Australian-only programming every Monday on ABC Country , and dedicated Australian features on ABC Jazz, just to name a few.

Catch all the Ausmusic Month action via triple j or the ABC listen app .

Ausmusic Month content highlights include:

TRIPLE J, DOUBLE J, AND TRIPLE J UNEARTHED

J Awards

At the heart of Ausmusic Month on triple j are the J Awards, triple j’s annual recognition of the best Australian music. Tune in to triple j Breakfast from 6am on Monday, 3 November and connect with triple j socials to discover all the nominees across five award categories.

triple j 50 tour

triple j hits the road this November, wrapping up their 50th birthday celebrations with a five-stop national tour featuring a massive, genre-spanning lineup of Australian artists across venues in Hobart, Newcastle, Adelaide, the Gold Coast and Torquay. Keep across triple j on air and on socials for some very special live music moments captured at each show. Tickets are on sale now, head to the triple j website to purchase.

triple j’s Like A Version

triple j’s renowned cover series Like A Version features all Australian artists throughout November, kicking off with Queensland indie-rock band Beddy Rays next week. Listen every Friday from 7.45am on triple j or the triple j app and watch every performance on triple j’s socials.

To celebrate 50 years of triple j and Ausmusic Month 2025, triple j is also set to release a limited-edition vinyl, triple j’s Best Australian Like A Versions, out Friday, 21 November. This 13-track LP features some of the most loved Australian Like A Version recordings of all time, including covers from DMA’S, G Flip, King Stingray, Royel Otis, The Wiggles and many more. Pre-order here.

Live At The Wireless

triple j and Double J have recorded live performances from iconic homegrown artists all around the country to bring live music direct to your speakers, from festivals to stadiums, to sweaty pubs to some of Australia’s finest venues.

It’s back-to-back Aussies every Sunday on triple j with sets from OneFour, Holy Holy, and more. Double J is dipping into the archives with recordings from Ngaiire and Regurgitator, as well as highlights from triple j’s 2015 ‘Beat The Drum’ concert and a brand-new live recording from The Cat Empire.

Listen Sundays at 6pm on triple j, Mondays at 6pm on Double J, or on the triple j or ABC listen app.

Classic Albums

Double J will celebrate Classic Albums from Aussie icons Magic Dirt, The Presets, Wolfmother, Emma Donovan and Bernard Fanning. Listen Monday nights from 6pm or Sunday at midday.

Artist in Residence

Double J has a new Artist in Residence for the month of November: celebrated Ngarrindjeri MC, songwriter, and producer Trials. Listen Sundays from 5pm on Double J or anytime on the ABC listen app.

triple j Unearthed

As always, triple j Unearthed will continue to support Australian music by playing the best new Australian songs 24/7 across Unearthed Radio. Listen on DAB+, via the triple j app, or stream online, and connect with triple j Unearthed across Instagram and TikTok.

ABC COUNTRY

ABC Country is Australia’s home of country music, supporting emerging and established Australian country artists all month with Australian feature albums, Australian music all day every Monday, and Beccy Cole kicks off Ausmusic Month with an all Aussie edition of Saturday Night Country on November 1. Listen on DAB+ digital radio and on the ABC listen app.

ABC CLASSIC

ABC Classic is set to celebrate Australian music throughout November with a rich program of homegrown content.

On Mornings with Russell Torrance (weekdays 9am–1pm), listeners can enjoy recordings from state orchestras and Australian ensembles, alongside exclusive 2026 season highlights from ABC Classic presenters. Each week spotlights a different state or territory, celebrating the depth of music-making around the country.

The celebration continues with a full slate of Australian performances in Lunchtime Concert and Evenings throughout the month, featuring standout local performances including Treaty by Deborah Cheetham Fraillon, conducted by Jamie Martin with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellows recorded exclusively by the ABC with seven Australian works under the baton of Richard Mills. That’s twelve concerts a week. Listen every day at 1pm or weekdays at 8pm via the ABC listen app and visit the ABC Classic website for complete programming details.

Genevieve Lang and Ed Le Brocq will also host a special live recording of ABC Classic’s Music Class with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday 12 November at ABC Brisbane. Featuring behind-the-scenes insights and interactive music demonstrations, the event will be recorded in front of a live audience and broadcast nationally at midday Saturday 22 November on ABC Classic.

ABC JAZZ

New albums showcased during Ausmusic Month include Best of ABC Jazz ‘25, For Judy – a tribute to the late Judy Bailey by Lauren Tsamouras and Tom Avgenicos – and Time Passes by David Jones, Ben Roberston and Tony Gould. Saxophonist Martha Baartz is your Artist In Residence throughout November, sharing her favourite music and performing a new suite, inspired by her recent cancer diagnosis. Presenter Eric Ajaye also explores Judy Bailey’s legacy in Jazz Legends, celebrating her profound impact as a performer, composer and mentor to generations of Australian musicians.

Listen to ABC Jazz on DAB+ or anytime on the ABC listen app.

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ABC Gives campaign is on again, in which the broadcaster raises money for charity ahead of Christmas. The 2025 beneficiary is OzHarvest, except in Tasmania where the Giving Tree Appeal will be held instead.

ABC Local Radio
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Mediaweek

The ABC’s 2025 annual report logged slippage across key performance measures, with community satisfaction easing from 81% to 79% and national weekly reach dipping from 61.9% to 60.4%.

Radio and digital also softened: Local Radio’s weekly reach dropped 8.4%, and the ABC News app recorded audience declines.

Editorial standards came under further pressure, with corrections and clarifications rising to 67 in 2024–25, up from 62 the year prior.

While total complaints were down, the average response time lengthened from 11 days to 16 – a datapoint unlikely to ease scrutiny from Parliament or the public.

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ABC hunts for new marketing chief

The ABC has begun the search for a new marketing leader, just months after appointing former Droga5 chief strategist Milla McPhee as its director of audiences.

The national broadcaster is recruiting a head of marketing who will report to McPhee and lead the development of a refreshed marketing strategy across the organisation.

The position has been held by Rebecca Robertson in a contractual capacity since August 2024, following Karen Madden’s temporary move to lead the audiences division.

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Appointment of ABC Head of Children’s and Family completes Screen executive team

The ABC is pleased to announce the appointment of Melinda Wearne as Head of Children’s and Family, where she will oversee the largest slate of children’s programming in Australia.

Melinda joins the ABC from Beyond Entertainment, where she most recently served as Head of Scripted and led development across premium drama, children’s and family content.

Her credits include developing, producing and executive producing the hit drama series The Family Next Door. Across her career, she has also held senior creative and production roles including development executive on Troppo (ABC), producer on Motown Magic (Netflix), Monster Beach (Cartoon Network), and associate producer on the Emmy Award–winning animated series Beat Bugs (Netflix). Melinda was also the creator and producer of Hoopla Doopla, a landmark co-production between ABC and CCTV China.

Melinda will commence with the ABC early next year.

Melinda Wearne: “The ABC has always been a trusted destination for Australian kids and their parents, championing ambitious, original storytelling that connects with young audiences here and internationally. I’m honoured to work with Australian creators and the talented ABC team to continue building on that trust and create the next generation of stories for Australian families.”

ABC Director Screen Jennifer Collins: “We’re delighted to welcome Melinda to the Screen team as the Head of Children’s and Family. Melinda is an exceptional, creative leader with a proven track record in delivering outstanding content for Australian and international audiences. I would also like to thank and acknowledge Mary-Ellen Mullane who has been acting in the role and has guided the team through a period of change while continuing to deliver high-quality programs.”

Melinda’s appointment completes the ABC Screen leadership team.

The ABC Screen division was established in June and is the home of ABC iview and homegrown hit shows including Bluey, Fisk, Muster Dogs, The Family Next Door, The Assembly, I Was Actually There, Mystery Road and Do Not Watch This Show. ABC Screen is led by Jennifer Collins, one of Australia’s most respected television executives, recognised for delivering original, distinctive, and impactful screen content. Her previous senior leadership roles include Director of Content at Fremantle, Head of Unscripted at Screentime, ABC’s Director of Entertainment & Specialist, Head of Factual and Culture, and Head of Entertainment.

Senior executive Alex Baldwin has been appointed ABC Screen’s Head of Development and Commissioning, overseeing all genres and reporting to Jennifer Collins. Alex previously served as Head of Screen, working closely with the ABC Director Screen to provide editorial leadership and strategic oversight. Before that, he held the roles of Deputy Head of Screen and Head of Scripted playing a key role in the development, financing, and commissioning of content.

The ABC Screen division is the largest commissioner of Australian content, working in close partnership with independent producers. The Screen executive also comprises Rachel Okine (Head of Scripted); Rachel Millar (Head of Entertainment); Kath Earle (Head of Arts, Music and Events), Kelrick Martin (Head of Indigenous), Susie Jones (Head of Documentary and Specialist), Vanessa Arden-Wood (Head Social & Digital), Toni Skaife (Chief Partnerships and Negotiation Officer), Roberta Allan (Head of Programming, Acquisitions and Streaming), and Sashka Koloff (Managing Editor, Standards & Compliance).

Jennifer Collins continued: “The Screen executive brings together some of the most creative and experienced leaders in the industry, ensuring the ABC continues to deliver premium programming that champions Australian storytelling. With the team in place, we’re ready to unveil an outstanding 2026 slate at the ABC Media Showcase on Thursday.”

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ABC Commercial returns to the Asia TV Forum, unveiling an expanded slate of premium programming and the latest evolution of its flagship IP

Leading the slate is family-friendly factual entertainment program Dr Ann’s Secret Lives (6 x 30’). The series visits breathtaking habitats, from dense rainforests to remote coastal regions, and each episode spotlights one unique animal: bull sharks, sea snakes, turtles, dugongs, orangutans and pangolins. The latter two episodes were shot on location in Borneo, with the support of the Sabah Wildlife Department.

Recently nominated for ‘Best Host in a Science, History or Wildlife Program’ at the 2025 World Congress of Science & Factual Producers Awards (The Buzzies), charismatic Dr Ann Jones helms the series, which has been a critical and ratings success in Australia. So much so, a second season is currently in production for the network.

Also suitable for co-viewing is Dr Karl’s How Things Work (6 x 30’), which offers a fascinating insight into the processes required to make everyday products, including ginger beer, chocolate, toilet paper, cricket balls, cheese and confectionary

In the visually stunning documentary Killer Whale: Australia’s Megapod (1 x 60’), viewers are introduced to a remarkable orca community in Western Australia that has managed to achieve the impossible - hunt and kill a blue whale - the largest animal to ever live. With access to leading marine scientists and cutting-edge technology, this film offers a compelling look into one of nature’s most intelligent predators and is available in 4K.

New sports documentary series End Game (3 x 60’ or 1 x 60’) sees former professional athlete Tony Armstrong confront the issue of racism in sport. The proud Indigenous Australian embarks on a deeply personal but global journey as he works to uncover lasting solutions and deliver hope for future generations. Athletes interviewed include UK football legends Rio Ferdinand and John Barnes plus representatives from organisations including the NBA and Angel City FC.

Returning series include: global hit Muster Dogs (6 x 60’), which recently won the national award for Best Non-Scripted Entertainment at the Asian Academy Creative Awards; network comedy favourite Mother & Son (6 x 30’); and ratings and award-winner I Was Actually There (6 x 30’), which revisits pivotal moments in history through the eyes, ears and voices of those who experienced them firsthand.

A trusted, specialist distributor of children’s content, ABC Commercial’s children’s slate for ATF is full of educational programs that spark the imagination.

Highly acclaimed pre-school series Fizzy & Suds (26 x 11’) returns for more curiosity-driven adventures with animated bubbles, Fizzy and younger sibling Suds. Whether they’re exploring planets, tractors, noodles or frogs, the pair immerse themselves in the world around them with infectious enthusiasm.

Gardening Australia Junior (20 x 15’) also makes a comeback, with its third season inspiring little green thumbs with hands-on gardening fun.

Dance With Tom (5 x 5’) celebrates First Nations culture through traditional dances inspired by the land, animals, and elements.

In addition to Dr Ann’s Secret Lives, Dr Karl’s How Things Work, Muster Dogs, I Was Actually There, Fizzy & Suds, Gardening Australia Junior and Dance With Tom have all been announced as returning series at the ABC network’s 2026 Showcase last week.

Sales Manager for Asia & MENA Alex Zhou said “Our new-to-market programming is already generating strong momentum, with major clients across Asia and MENA actively exploring the slate. We anticipate significant interest at this year’s market, particularly from buyers seeking premium content with the added value of multiple seasons.

Genres that consistently perform for us—Natural History, Factual, Lifestyle and Children’s—remain a core strength, and the expanding global reach of Kidscreen Award-winner Beep & Mort underscores that appeal. We’re coming to market with one of our strongest lineups yet.”

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Senate rejects motion for inquiry into ABC after Sarah Henderson pursues broadcaster over ‘very big failings’

The Senate has rejected an inquiry into ABC’s editorial standards after Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson pushed to see her former employer scrutinised.

Senator Henderson, a former ABC journalist, attempted to move a motion for the establishment on inquiry into the broadcaster over its impartiality and accuracy obligations.

The Senator had expressed concerns about “egregious errors” made by the ABC being overlooked, prompting her lodge a Notice of Motion.

However, Senators voted down the motion on Wednesday afternoon – a move Senator Henderson said was “very disappointing”.

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ABC granted extra $50m, as content quota bill likely to pass Senate today

The Greens have secured more funding for the ABC

The federal government has agreed to bump up the ABC’s funding by $50 million, as part of a deal struck between the Greens and Labor around the proposed local content quota legislation.

Greens spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young suggested the Greens will support Labor’s bill in parliament today, issuing a press release that states: “The Australian content requirement for online streaming services bill will pass the Senate today”.

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ABC Chair Kim Williams: Statement on additional $50 million in government funding

The ABC welcomes the Government’s announcement of an additional $50 million in funding over three years for Australian content; which was allied with action on Australian content requirements for streaming services.

The additional funding will enable the ABC to better deliver on its Charter commitment to tell Australian stories and serve Australian audiences with rich original work.

The ABC is the largest commissioner of Australian drama and children’s content, supporting local creators, and looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with talented independent producers.

ABC Chair Kim Williams said: "On behalf of the ABC, I warmly thank the government for confidently investing in the national broadcaster. I particularly thank our Minister, the Hon Anika Wells, and the Arts Minister, Hon Tony Burke who have long championed Australian content. I also thank Senator Sarah Hanson-Young who has supported Australian creativity tirelessly in the Senate.

"We are all indebted to them for their meaningful advocacy on social cohesion and the vital part original Australia content plays in building our national identity.

"The $50 million in additional funding reflects the ABC’s important role in Australian life, and the value it delivers to our communities.

"The ABC has the privilege and deep responsibility of national storytelling in the public interest, from the youngest audiences across generations of Australians.

“We have long been an integral part of the nation-building infrastructure of Australia. Additional funding means more Australian narratives, imagination and creativity on our screens, celebrating what it is to be Australian reflecting our nation’s rich diversity.”

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Stories by and about Australians with disability to feature across all ABC platforms

Loz Booth joins Play School's Jay Laga'aia and Humpty on set to mark International Day of People with Disability

Loz Booth joins Play School’s Jay Laga’aia and Humpty on set to mark International Day of People with Disability. (ABC)

From November 19 to December 10, the ABC has partnered with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to recognise the 5.5 million Australians living with disability.

Through this partnership, 20 short-term positions have been created at the ABC for people with disability to have their content featured across ABC websites, radio, social media, television, and ABC iview. Content highlights will be featured across all ABC platforms until December 10.

One of the content creators working with the ABC is comedian, actor and advocate Loz Booth.

Loz has teamed up with ABC Sport and Play School to create a series of social media reels recognising the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). Loz is creating and appearing in four videos filmed on the set of Play School, pushing the boundaries of representation on Australian screens. The content will be featured on ABC Kids Instagram, ABC Kids YouTube and ABC Kids Community Facebook. For ABC Sport, Loz is producing a humorous social video exploring why a lot of para sports aren’t inclusive.

“Working across ABC Sport and Play School has been such an amazing opportunity,” Loz said.

“Each showed me a completely different side of content creation, from seeing Play School’s production come to life from script to shoot, to learning how ABC Sport develops and crafts engaging stories. It’s been an incredible experience that’s taught me new skills and given me a real appreciation for the creative process which I’ll take with me into the future.”

Other highlights include ABC IDPwD Storyteller Scholarship recipients, former Paroos player Taylor Harvey and visual artist Mark du Potiers creating original content for ABC Sport and ABC News Queensland.

For the first time in the ABC’s program history, five content creators are also presenting across ABC TV and local radio, further expanding representation on-air. The ABC is also continuing to produce special programs including Compass’ Intimate Access with comedian Madeleine Stewart. Madeleine often gets asked by strangers: how do you have sex? So, she’s asking other disabled people and their partners to spill the tea on love, lust and everything in between.

ABC International is once again mentoring two elite sportswomen with disability to produce audio and digital packages for ABC Pacific and ABC Asia. Stay tuned for content from Bocce champion Bernadette Lim from the Philippines, and wheelchair table tennis gold medallist Mere Roden from Fiji. Mere will interview para-athlete Selina Seau for the ABC Pacific’s Fresh off the Field program. The ABC’s National Disability Affairs Reporter Nas Campanella and ABC Sports journalist and paralympic medallist Elizabeth Wright are also hosting an online seminar on inclusivity and diversity for journalists across the Indo-Pacific.

The ABC is also a sponsor of the Disability Leadership Institute’s annual Disability Leadership Oration, featuring AstroAccess Ambassador Dwayne Fernandes, who has set his sights on becoming the first double amputee in space.

The event was held at Canberra’s National Archive on November 24 and will air nationally on ABC Radio National’s Big Ideas program on January 22.

ABC Director, News, Justin Stevens, said the ABC is proud to once again support International Day of People with Disability.

“This year, 22 content creators are working alongside ABC teams to produce a range of stories across our platforms,” he said. “In addition, Maddison Fogarty is collaborating with the ABC’s Takeover program to run storytelling workshops for young people with disability, helping to develop the next generation of storytellers.”

“This year five of our IDPwD content creators are presenting on ABC TV and local radio, not just producing content, showcasing their talent and sharing their stories directly with audiences. These collaborations are redefining how disability is represented in the media and demonstrate the ABC’s ongoing commitment to amplifying diverse voices.”

Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for the NDIS reaffirmed the vital role the IDPwD partnership plays in amplifying the lived stories and experience of Australians with disability.

“When we see diverse stories in our media, they challenge stereotypes, shift attitudes and affirm that Australians with a disability are equal participants in our society.

“These are great initiatives that will be broadcast across ABC platforms. They show honest and authentic perspectives of peoples lived experiences. “