ABC operations

Television ABC
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Ballarat young people to Takeover!

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The ABC’s Takeover program is heading to Ballarat in 2025!

Takeover offers young people a platform for their voices and perspectives to be heard on the ABC and celebrated in their communities.

Justin Stevens, ABC Director of News, said that the ABC is proud of its longstanding history working in regional areas to bring stories to a national audience.

“Takeover is a wonderful opportunity to elevate the voices of young people who grew up in regional areas. It assists the ABC in telling a more complete picture of our nation from all communities,” he said.

The ABC’s principal partner, VicHealth is proud to continue their legacy of creating space for young people to share their stories and participate in projects that positively impact their communities. Professor Anna Peeters, CEO of VicHealthsays:

“Creating a safe space in regional areas allows young people to confidently speak their truth and is apowerful way for them tofeel more connected with their communities,” she said

Providing a safe space for young people to share their experience is a powerful way for young people in regional areas to feel more connected with their community,” she said.

“VicHealth is proud to support Takeover Ballarat and we’re looking forward to hearing the stories and ideas of young people from the region.”

The ABC are looking to hear from a diverse range of young people.

Dr Jess Walsh, the Minister for Youth is excited to see the stories uncovered in Ballarat:

“ABC Takeover is an absolute highlight of the year, and I loved attending the inspiring Takeover in Burnie, Tasmania.”

“I can’t wait to hear what the young people of Ballarat have to say and what matters to them.”

“Programs like ABC Takeover give young people the opportunity to be celebrated for everything they contribute – and I’m proud that the Albanese Government is helping to bring Takeover to Ballarat.”

The program will culminate in a five-day youth summit, to be held in the heart of Ballarat in June 2026.

City of Ballarat’s Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves affirmed the importance of youth voices, and how exciting programs like Takeover can offer great opportunities to young people.

“Our Youth Strategy 2022-2026 vision is for young people to be supported to reach their full potential in a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment - and we feel ABC’s Takeover program aligns with this.”

“I’m excited to hear the voices and ideas of young people from our community. We hope to see as many young people as we can take up this opportunity and have their voices celebrated.”

The Takeover Ballarat Summit, to be held in mid-2026, will see the stories of up to 35 Winners celebrated through a red-carpet screening and an Ideas Presentation, highlighting their ideas for making the community an even better place to grow up.

Through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), funding will be available to bring the youth-developed ideas to life in their community. Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR says:

“Young people in regional areas grow up in environments that have opportunities and challenges that are unique to them. We’re thrilled to support this opportunity for the youth to not only voice their ideas but also take action.”

“At the Summit, they will come together with local not-for-profit organisations to brainstorm ideas to create positive change in their community. We’ll then back these projects with small grants, helping to make their communities even better places to live, work and play.”

Young people who live, work or study in Ballarat and are aged 15 - 18 can submit entries via the Takeover website from Wednesday 8 October.

ABC Takeover acknowledges the support of VicHealth, City of Ballarat, Centre for Multicultural Youth, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and the Office for Youth.

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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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2310

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.

triple j
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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.”