ABC operations

Television ABC
2323

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. “

2324

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks: Opening Remarks to the Senate Environment and Communications Committee

Chair and Members of the Committee,

I appreciate making a brief statement.

The ABC remains the home of Australian storytelling and I’m delighted to say that our 2026 content slate takes that legacy to the next level.

Next year the ABC will feature over 100 new and returning titles from our extraordinary talent — showcasing the creativity and ambition that define the ABC.

It’s a dynamic lineup of distinctive Australian programming across broadcast and digital platforms.

Unmissable Australian drama and comedy, world-class children’s and family content, returning favourites and exciting new original formats.

It means increased investment in premium television hours, increased investment in drama, and more investment in original podcasts with more long form audio story telling.

Investment in Australia and Australian stories has never been more important.

And I’m delighted that has been recognised by the Federal Government with its announcement last week to provide $50 million to the ABC to invest more in content.

A most welcome initiative that will enable the ABC to better deliver on its Charter commitment to tell Australian stories, serve Australians with rich original work, celebrating the nation’s rich diversity.

It’s been a strong year for the ABC.

I know that awards are only one sign of progress but the ABC’s journalism excellence was recognised last Thursday winning nine Walkley Awards, including the Gold Walkley for Adele Ferguson and Chris Gillett’s outstanding investigative journalism into the shocking failures of Australia’s childcare industry.

Reports which already have led to major reforms by government.

A remarkable 30 ABC journalists, program and teams were finalists across 18 categories of the Walkleys.

Impactful, exceptional journalism of which all Australians can be proud.

And this week Ipsos Rankings announced that ABC NEWS is the number one digital news brand — which has been the case for every month in 2025.

ABC iview is also the #1 reaching BVOD service with 3.4 million Australians watching content on ABC iview on average each week and the most trusted media brand and most trusted news brand in Australia.

And we’re determined to do even better in 2026.

With summer underway, as an official emergency services broadcaster, the ABC’s emergency team will play a vital role in helping Australians stay informed and safe during times of crisis.

Our recent Darwin coverage around Cyclone Fina was a great example of the best of ABC local and ABC Emergency Broadcaster working brilliantly together for the benefit of Top End communities.

And in a new development we will be assisting other local media with emergency related digital news media content in regional and rural Australia.

This is the ABC at its best.

Providing high quality content, vital information in time of need, and serving all Australians wherever they live.

2325
2326

I must say, the performance of Hugh Marks surprised me through the whole hearing. He is more across his brief and wider ABC matters than other predecessors have been. Early days I know, but it appears the ABC is in good hands.

1 Like
2327
2328

ABC appoints Joel Tozer Executive Producer of Four Corners, Chris Bendall Executive Producer of Insiders

The ABC has announced new leaders for two of its flagship current affairs programs, with Joel Tozer becoming Executive Producer of Four Corners and Chris Bendall joining the ABC as Executive Producer of Insiders.

Four Corners is entering its 65th year of delivering the best and bravest public interest journalism. In another standout year for the program, in 2025 its childcare investigation “Betrayal of Trust” was recognised with multiple Walkley Awards and a Logie. Its average total TV audience was 952,000 viewers with top episode “Hammered: Inside the Bunnings Machine” achieving 1.6 million viewers.

Insiders is required viewing for anyone interested in politics and after 25 years on air is achieving some of its strongest ever audiences. Its average audience in 2025 was 687,000 viewers, up 7% year-on-year, with a top audience of 1.4 million for its 90-minute post-election special.

Joel Tozer has been Executive Producer of 7.30 since mid-2022 and has done terrific work over that time with presenter Sarah Ferguson and the team. The program grew its total TV audience this year to date by 10% to an average of 853,000 viewers.

Previously he worked on Nine’s 60 Minutes where he was at the heart of a string of award-winning investigations. He has won multiple Walkley Awards as well as a number of other top journalism honours.

Tozer replaces Matthew Carney, who after an outstanding 25-year career at the ABC announced his decision to leave last month. Tozer will continue to report to and work closely with Head, Investigations and Current Affairs Jo Puccini.

The ABC will advertise the role of 7.30 Executive Producer in coming days.

Joel Tozer: "The Four Corners team delivers outstanding journalism and it’s a privilege to step into a role shaped by such talent. Leading the program in 2026 is an extraordinary opportunity and I’m excited to guide a team committed to journalism that truly moves the national conversation.”

Jo Puccini: “I’ve greatly enjoyed working with Joel while he has been at 7.30, where he has demonstrated exceptional editorial leadership and integrity. I look forward to continuing our collaboration and seeing the outstanding work he will deliver in this new role.”

Chris Bendall has more than 20 years’ background in broadcast TV news and current affairs, a passion for politics, a great track record in leadership roles and extensive experience in live TV. For the past 10 years he has worked on Ten’s The Project, the last five as its Executive Producer.

He will work closely with Insiders presenter and National Political Lead David Speers.

Chris Bendall: "Political coverage has always been an important part of my career. Providing information and understanding of the issues guiding the lives of Australians is an incredible responsibility.

"For anyone interested in Australian politics, Insiders has always been appointment viewing. It delivers the insight that viewers demand with the impartiality, balance and fairness they rightfully expect, and it does it all with a healthy dose of irreverence.

“I’m excited to be joining a program that has such a proud legacy and future, at a time when trusted political analysis has never been more essential.”

ABC, Director News Justin Stevens: "Joel Tozer and Chris Bendall are experienced and formidably talented editorial leaders who will continue to take these important programs into their next chapters.

"Across the national Investigative Reporting Team, the State and Territory News Investigations Team and teams such as Four Corners, 7.30, Background Briefing, the Specialist Reporting Team and ABC News Verify, the ABC’s dedicated investigative journalism has never been stronger.

"With programs such as Insiders, 7.30 and Afternoon Briefing, as well as the Canberra Parliament House team, state newsrooms, Stateline and other expert contributors, our coverage and analysis across all platforms of politics, policy and the issues that matter to Australians at the local and national level is also the best it has ever been.

“I’m excited about what ABC News will continue to achieve in our investigative and political coverage in 2026.”

Insiders
7.30
Four Corners
2329

ABC signs MoU with Vietnam’s National Television Network

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Vietnam’s state broadcaster Vietnam Television (VTV) have exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

VTV Vice President Mr Do Duc Hoang visited the ABC’s Sydney headquarters to sign the agreement with ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman, at a ceremony attended by senior leadership representatives from VTV and ABC International.

The signing of the MoU reflects the shared understanding and commitment to collaboration between the two broadcasters and builds on the spirit of friendship between the two countries.

Under the new agreement, ABC International and VTV will exchange content and work together to identify additional opportunities for collaboration. The MoU also provides for ABC International to explore opportunities to share technical information and training support with VTV, including through the initiatives of ABC International Development.

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said, “We welcome this shared agreement in strengthening our relationship with VTV and providing a framework to support future exchanges in content, information and media capacity building.”

“The MoU underpins our respective roles as national broadcasters to serve our audiences a rich slate of informative, educational and entertaining programming, and we look forward to working with VTV across these endeavours.”

Vice President of VTV Mr Do Duc Hoang said, “VTV believes that today’s agreement will generate tangible outcomes in content exchange, co-production, and capacity development, thereby contributing positively to strengthening mutual understanding and fostering closer ties between the peoples of Vietnam and Australia.”

2330

Belinda Drew appointed ABC Head of Marketing

Belinda Drew Headshot

The ABC has appointed Belinda Drew as Head of Marketing. Belinda joins the ABC from Droga5 (part of Accenture Song), where she was the Chief Client Officer ANZ.

Belinda joined The Monkeys, now known as Droga5, in 2020. Her leadership on some on Australia’s most iconic brands contributed to the agency being recognised multiple times as Agency of the Year across D&AD, Spikes Asia, One Show and as the #1 Australian agency at the Cannes Lions.

Prior to this, Belinda spent two decades leading major brands across Australia and North America at the world’s most celebrated creative agencies.

She has been recognised five times in five years in the B&T Women in Media Awards.

Milla McPhee: “This appointment reinforces our commitment to showcasing Australia’s creative excellence, not just in our content, but in our marketing as well. Belinda’s reputation for creative leadership and evidence-based marketing effectiveness will help us deepen the connection between the ABC and our audiences.”

Belinda will commence at the ABC in early 2026.

2331

2026 ABC TRAILBLAZERS ANNOUNCED

ABC Heywire is proud to announce the 15 recipients of the 2026 Trailblazers program, which shines a light on young people aged 18 to 28 who have started social, educational, environmental or economic development projects in their regional towns.

The Trailblazer winners get wrap around support from the ABC to take their projects to the next level.

This year’s projects include culturally sensitive mentoring for at-risk youth, transforming worksites into safer, more gender inclusive spaces and tackling Tasmania’s screen-time epidemic by reconnecting youth with nature.

These are just some of the projects being led by incredible young Australians announced today as the 2026 ABC Trailblazers

Growing up as a young Aboriginal man on Wonnarua Country in the Hunter Valley, 2026 Trailblazer Jayden Wright knows firsthand the impacts being disconnected from culture and identity can have.

After being diagnosed with depression and anxiety in his teens, Jayden found it hard to ask for help, get support or even explain what he was going through.

“The experience changed me,” the proud Dunghutti man said.

“I realised how many of our young mob are silently struggling, especially in regional areas where services are few and shame is strong.”

“I lost confidence and direction… but what pulled me through was culture, community and the right people believing in me.”

Jayden’s experience led him to create Gurru Collective, which means ‘warrior’ or ‘to lead’ in Dhangatti language. The project’s aim is to walk alongside Aboriginal youth and show them that healing can come through culture.

“This program was born from yarning with young people in schools, youth justice and community – many of whom felt lost, angry and unheard,” he said.

“Through Gurru Collective, I want to pass on what I’ve learned and create spaces where our youth feel proud, strong and seen.”

Like Jayden, all of the 2026 Trailblazers have developed projects aimed at improving regional communities across the country.

Since 2017, more than 150 young people have benefited from the ABC’s Heywire Trailblazer program. Each year, a cohort of up to 20 regional change makers is selected to take part. Trailblazers can be individuals or groups of up to three, aged between 18-28, who have started a social, educational, environmental or economic development project in their regional communities.

Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and the Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride, recognises outstanding young leaders on their incredible commitment to community.

“Young people living in regional, rural and remote Australia bring fresh ideas and amazing energy to their communities. They see challenges and turn them into opportunities - whether it’s improving access to services, creating inclusive spaces, or finding innovative ways to strengthen local connections.”

“The ABC Trailblazers program puts a national spotlight on these inspiring leaders by providing them a platform to share their ideas, amplify their voices, and showcase what real change looks like in the regions.”

ABC’s Managing Director, Hugh Marks applauds the 2026 Trailblazers for their important community contributions.

“We’re proud to celebrate the 2026 Trailblazers and the incredible impact they’re making in their communities,” he said.

“Each year, this program shines a light on the creativity and leadership of young people in regional Australia. Their passion and commitment are driving real change and giving a stronger voice to the next generation.

The ABC is honoured to champion these innovators through Trailblazers, helping empower young Australians to shape a brighter future.”

The 2026 Trailblazers will head to Canberra this week to participate in the ABC Heywire Regional Youth Summit from January 31 – February 5. During the summit, they will pitch their projects to community leaders, have their stories featured on the ABC, gain exclusive access to the Sally Foundation’s Trailblazers Development Fund, and join a bespoke mentoring program to enhance their leadership skills.

The Trailblazer Program celebrates the work of emerging young leaders aged 18–28 driving positive social change outside the capital cities. It would not be possible without the support of the Australian Government through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Office for Youth, Australia’s Disability Strategy, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and AgriFutures Australia.

The full list of Trailblazers, the projects they have created, and the causes they are championing are here: Trailblazers - ABC Heywire

2332

ABC Music wins six Golden Guitars

ABC Music and its renowned country music roster made a splash at this year’s Golden Guitar Awards. The label picked up six Golden Guitar awards and also had four performances on the night. In total, ABC Music had 19 nominations across the awards’ categories.

The Wolfe Brothers dominated the evening, claiming five Golden Guitar Awards and Max Jackson re-claimed the Female Artist of the Year title.

Tasmanian-based brother-duo The Wolfe Brothers cleaned up, winning five Golden Guitar Awards, including 2026 Toyota Album of the Year, Country Music Capital News Group of the Year and Contemporary Country Album of the Year for their studio album Australian Made, produced by Nick Wolfe and Rod McCormack.

The duo performed the title track to Australian Made, written with Grame Connors, which was awarded Heritage Song of the Year. While their single How Many One More Times, recorded with Zac & George won Vocal Collaboration of the Year.

For the second year in a row, Max Jackson has been named Female Artist of the Year. The star’s career catapulted in 2022, after winning Toyota Star Maker and has since gone on to win four Golden Guitar Awards in three years. Max Jackson tonight performed A Country Heart Can which debuted on national television in 2025, A Farmer Wants A Wife.

As Head of ABC Music, Natalie Waller, describes the results, “We’ve had an incredible year of releases —from our established artists to exciting new talent — achieving success both here and internationally as country music continues to thrive globally. We’re absolutely thrilled with these results and extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our artists who walked away with wins or who were nominated in this year’s awards.’”

The award’s ceremony also featured some amazing performances from ABC Music nominees. Prolific indigenous artist, Warren H Williams, received 2 nods in this year’s awards for his song Ntaria with Kasey Chamber and Shane Nicholson, which they performed on the night. The song’s nominations included Heritage Song Of The Year and Vocal Collaboration. Warren is currently working on his first full album in language due for release in 2026.

Rising star, Tyla Rodrigues, picked up her first Golden Guitar nomination for New Talent of the Year. Tyla, who has been making waves here and abroad, playing at both CMA Fest and Americana Fest in Nashville in 2025 and heading the Europe for C2C Festival in March. Tyla performed her raucous hit, Hot & Heavy, that features on her forthcoming “Hold on Tight” EP.

Rounding out the long list of ABC Music nominations**,** Travis Collins and Andrew Swift, both previous winners for Male Artist of The Year; received another nomination each in this category for the 2026 awards. Travis releasing his The Band Album in 2025 and Andrew dropping hit singles in the lead up to his latest release, Lucky Stars. Plus, critically acclaimed Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham received a nod in the Best Group/Duo category. The duo are working towards their new album release in early 2026.

2333

ABC signs MoUs in Malaysia, Mongolia and Timor-Leste

ABC International has continued to strengthen its regional partnerships in 2026, signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with broadcasters and media organisations in Malaysia, Mongolia and Timor-Leste.

Under the successful program which began in 2022, ABC International has signed 23 similar agreements with leading media organisations in Asia and the Pacific which focus on opportunities to share content, exchange expertise and knowledge, and undertake technical training and media development initiatives.

In the latest round of agreements, ABC International formalised tailored agreements with Timor-Leste’s public service news agency Tatoli, Mongolian National Broadcaster (MNB) and Malaysian state broadcaster Sarawak Media Group (SMG).

The MoUs with MNB and SMG facilitate opportunities for content sharing of news and current affairs, factual, sports and lifestyle programming, in addition to the exchange of technical advice and information, while the Tatoli agreement also includes provisions for ongoing collaboration with ABC International’s media development arm, ABC International Development, which has worked closely with Tatoli in recent years in launching an English-language news service and other capacity building initiatives.

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said, “ABC International has worked tirelessly over the past four years to fortify our relationships with like-minded, regional partners and formalise tailored agreements with them. Each MoU establishes a framework for collaboration across areas such as content and information sharing, and media capacity building, and in doing so, brings new opportunities for meaningful engagement.

“We are proud to announce these latest agreements with Tatoli, MNB and SMG, and look forward to the emerging possibilities for closer collaboration and how we can best work together to support and serve our respective audiences through these partnerships.”

The ABC has also recently renewed its partnership with Canadian national broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, signing an updated MoU to support content and distribution-related initiatives, including the development of a new children’s co-production It’s Andrew! set to premiere in Australia in 2026.

2334

ABC reveals plans for $50m funding windfall

The ABC’s managing director Hugh Marks has revealed the national broadcaster’s plans for the extra $50m in funding it will receive over the next three years.

The funding injection is the result of a side-deal struck between the Greens and Labor in late November to pass the Australian content requirement for online streaming services bill.

Labor Senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah raised the topic during Senate estimates on Monday afternoon, asking Marks what the extra funding means for the ABC.

[Marks] said the ABC will announce a number of new dramas and children’s programs “within the next couple of weeks, or at least within the next month [and] you’ll see that the ambition-level of the shows that have been enabled by the particular additional investment is reflective of a higher ambition and a real sense of purpose to deliver really excellent content to the audience.”

The extra funding will allow the ABC to be “a key participant in a pretty important industry at a time where it’s probably increasingly reliant on us as opposed to others to tell those stories.”

When pushed for specifics on what exactly had been earmarked for funding, Marks said, “I’m not sure Senate estimates are the best place for program announcements”, before revealing that one program would be made in South Australia.

“A well-known brand coming back to life, for the benefit of children, to be produced by a company in Adelaide for the ABC.”

Marks said he will be travelling to Adelaide early next week where he expects “that particular program” will be announced.

ABC TV - Programs and Schedules
2335

3 posts were merged into an existing topic: ABC TV - Programs and Schedules

2336

Around 450 ABC employed members of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance voted in favour of the ballot, indicating a potential strike as soon as next month.

The other union representing non-journalistic ABC staff, the Community and Public Sector Union, is expected to conduct a similar vote next week.

The ballot forms the initial steps giving the union the ability to file an application for industrial action to the Fair Work Commission next week. Following that application, there will be a two week period for unionised staff to vote for or against strike action. The strikes are expected to then go ahead in March.

2337

ABC WGEA Employer Statement

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is committed to achieving gender equality and fostering a workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful and equitable for all.

In 2025, the ABC submitted its public report to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), in line with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (the Act). The submission was part of WGEA’s Commonwealth Public Sector Reporting Program and covered the reporting period of 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

The ABC will continue to address the underlying drivers of its gender pay gap, and will maintain transparency in its progress towards fostering a more equitable workplace.

Gender Pay Gap Drivers

Pay gaps are not a direct comparison of like roles. Instead, they show the difference between the average or median pay between two groups (irrespective of roles or seniority). The primary drivers of the ABC’s gender pay gap are:

  • A higher proportion of women in bands 2 to 5 than men.
  • A lower proportion of women employees in bands 5 to 9 than men.
  • Higher average shift penalty and overtime payments to men than to women.

Actions and Strategies to Support Gender Pay Equity

The ABC has already implemented a range of targeted strategies to reduce the gender pay gap, including:

  • Gender representation targets: The ABC has committed to 50% of all roles being filled by women.
  • Job evaluation: We have a rigorous approach to evaluating and classifying positions to ensure the integrity of the job grading system which supports equitable pay outcomes.
  • Mentoring: We offer an ABC Mentoring Program which focuses on career confidence, communication skills and professional development.
  • Development and career progression: We have developed resources, available on the Learning Hub, to support employees to take control of their ongoing development at the ABC.
  • Employee Network Group: The ABC has a Gender Equity employee network group, focused on fostering gender inclusion and increasing support, education, and awareness at the ABC.
  • Flexibility: The ABC supports and enables flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance, inclusion, and productivity.

New Gender Equality Targets

Additionally, the ABC is developing new gender equality targets in line with the new requirements from WGEA.

These targets will support the removal of barriers that prevent the full and equal participation of women in the workplace. The ABC will report on progress in its annual WGEA submission.

Addressing gender inequality and closing the pay gap will continue to be a strategic priority for the organisation, with the new targets structured to support lasting change.

2338
2339
1 Like
2340
2341

This may be paywalled but an interesting read on Mr Williams.

Apart from being the chair of the ABC, Kim Williams is, in no particular order, a clarinettist, a former Lego child prodigy, an amateur composer, an arts philanthropist, an experienced media executive, an oenophile, a book collector, a devoted swimmer, a sufferer of chronic pain, a prodigious reader and a passionate holder of opinions.

He once had a relationship with an opera singer. He suffers from two degenerative health conditions but hates taking pain medication. His first wife left him for the human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson and, in 2014, he was one of the first Australians to have his personal genome mapped.

2342