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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. “

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.