Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:
“I congratulate Dr Caffrey and Mr Miller on their appointments and look forward to their positive contributions to the stewardship of the ABC.
“Together these appointments enhance the regional and international perspective and capability of Australia’s public broadcaster.
“Strong governance supports a strong ABC.”
Thirty-five teenagers will ‘takeover’ Ballarat, sharing their stories as part of the ABC’s Regional Takeover Youth Summit.
Takeover is a place-based initiative that amplifies the voices of young people across the ABC and within their communities. Through school workshops, original storytelling, a youth Summit and a community grants program, the initiative shines a spotlight on regional communities and supports lasting, positive change.
Takeover Ballarat is made possible through our partners VicHealth, the Federal Office for Youth and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), with support from the Centre for Multicultural Youth and the City of Ballarat.
ABC Director of News Justin Stevens said the program provides a rare opportunity for regional young people to shape national conversations.
“Takeover gives young people in regional communities a genuine platform to share their perspectives with the rest of the country,” he said. “We’re looking forward to hearing how young people in Ballarat see their future; the challenges they face; and the ideas they have to strengthen their community.”
VicHealth CEO Professor Anna Peeters AM said the initiative plays an important role in empowering young people to lead the conversation on issues impacting them.
“Takeover creates a platform where young people are heard, valued and supported to turn their ideas into real change in their communities. As a long-term partner, we’re proud to have seen the incredible things young people have achieved through Takeover and can’t wait to see what Ballarat students deliver.”
Audiences will hear a diverse range of stories. Ella Sapiano is using photography to promote reptile awareness and conservation, while 15-year-old Kai Van Duin transformed her passion for drumming into launching her own drumming school for girls.
Patrick McGee reflects on building confidence and connection through his weekly community radio program, ‘Events and Weather Forever’, where he presents local weather with his own unique ‘Ballarat’ spin.
“Radio helped me understand what it feels like to be heard,” Patrick said. “More young people deserve a chance to do that. We’re the future after all!”.
Minister for Youth Dr Jess Walsh said programs like Takeover are vital in supporting young Australians to develop skills and contribute meaningfully to society.
“These programs give young people the tools and confidence to speak up about the issues affecting their lives, from mental health to identity and inclusion,” she said. “They are not just participants in the conversation; they are helping to lead it.”
The Takeover Ballarat summit will culminate in a red-carpet screening and ideas presentation, where participants will showcase their stories and propose initiatives to make Ballarat an even better place to grow up.
Through FRRR, funding will be available to help bring these youth-led ideas to life within the community.
Takeover Ballarat participants and their stories will be featured across the ABC throughout June.
The Takeover Ballarat Summit begins Monday June 1, with young people showcasing their ideas for change at the Civic Hall in Ballarat on June 4 at 4:15pm.
Find out more information about the program at: ABC Takeover
The 35 participants of Takeover Ballarat and their stories
A new Deloitte Access Economics report has found that between July 2022 and June 2025, ABC commissioned screen productions generated an additional $772 million in value for the Australian economy, supporting more than 7,700 full‑time equivalent jobs and driving critical economic activity across Australia’s screen sector.
The Lights, Camera, Action: The Economic and Social Contribution of ABC commissioned Screen Productions report quantifies the economic contribution of ABC-commissioned screen productions over the past three financial years, while also assessing the broader value to audiences, the screen industry, and the Australian community.
It shows that ABC screen investment is an economic driver, providing critical support and stability to creative industry organisations across the country and highlights the central role the ABC plays in sustaining Australia’s screen sector as global competition intensifies, and the private investment landscape continues to change.
Between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2025, the ABC supported 315 screen productions, delivering more than 1,526 hours of Australian content across drama, comedy, entertainment, factual and children’s genres, generating economic benefits in every Australian state and territory. The report found ABC commissioning plays a vital role in safeguarding Australian storytelling, particularly in genres such as drama, children’s and educational content, where commercial incentives are under increasing pressure.
ABC commissions catalyse further industry investment. For every $1 the ABC invested in external co-productions, an additional $1.31 was leveraged from other public and private sources, including state agencies, international partners and private investors. By anchoring projects early, ABC investment supports a pipeline of future productions, enabling ideas to progress into viable projects, unlocking multi‑source financing that strengthens the broader market.
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said the report highlights the significant creative, industry and economic impact of sustained investment in the ABC, which is vital to the future of Australia’s screen sector.
“The Deloitte Access Economics report makes it clear that the ABC’s investment in Australian screen content is essential to the strength and continued sustainability of the local screen industry,” he said. “The ABC plays a more important role in Australia’s screen ecosystem than it ever has. We are increasingly at the centre of economic resilience of the sector and delivering critical support to creative industry businesses and talent in every part of the country.”
In addition to economic metrics, the report considers the cultural and social benefits of ABC productions, including their unique role in supporting children’s wellbeing.
As one of the few Australian commissioners of local children’s content, the ABC delivered 86 hours of children’s programming in 2024–25, reaching an average of 3.2 million weekly viewers and supporting learning, wellbeing and a sense of identity for young audiences at a time when investment elsewhere in the sector is declining.
The ABC’s role in Australian cultural life remains distinctive and trusted, according to the report. Around 79 per cent of Australians identify the ABC as distinctly Australian, recognising its role in reflecting the nation’s stories, communities and values, and providing free, universal access to trusted content.
ABC commissioned content continues to reach Australians at scale and deliver strong audience value. In 2024–25, around 5.4 million Australians watched ABC commissioned broadcast productions on television each week, generating nearly 7.8 million viewing hours.
In 2026, the ABC across both broadcast and ABC iview, reaches 12.5 million people each week, up 1.5% year-on-year, with growth across all adult age groups.
Deloitte Access Economics report key findings
New content to be aligned with educational/cultural ABC Charter during the daytime
Is this a new announcement or a suggestion from you haha?
The ABC has reached an agreement to resolve Federal Court proceedings brought by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) concerning the use of a fixed-term contract on the program Play School.
We thank the MEAA for raising the issue with us. The matter prompted a review of our application of the fixed-term contract provisions in the Fair Work Act
As part of this process, the employee involved in the proceedings was offered an ongoing position with the ABC.
The ABC undertook a broader internal review of fixed-term arrangements across the organisation. As a result of that review, over 150 employees previously engaged on fixed-term contracts have been converted to ongoing employment.
The ABC acknowledges the importance of ensuring these arrangements are right and we regret that aspects of our contracting practices required review.
The ABC is committed to meeting its obligations under workplace law and to ensuring our employment practices are compliant with the Fair Work Act.
Television and digital production environments often involve project-based work tied to specific programs. However, the ABC recognises the need to balance operational flexibility with secure employment wherever possible, acknowledging the workplace laws limiting the use of fixed term contracting arrangements.
Following the review, the ABC has strengthened internal guidance and processes to ensure the fixed-term contract provisions are applied consistently and appropriately.
The Age/SMH reports the ABC’s search for Justin Stevens’ replacement is already close to completion.
The appointment of Stevens’ replacement will be (Hugh) Marks’ biggest decision to date, and is expected to be announced in the coming week, with candidates already interviewed, two sources with knowledge of the matter speaking on condition of anonymity said. The successor is expected to come from outside the organisation. The total package for the role, including superannuation, was $678,000 in the last financial year.
Stevens, who is leaving the ABC entirely, has not been at work since Thursday last week, the sources said.
Higher or lower than what Stevens was getting?
Looks like the same
Announcement on replacement to be made tomorrow
The Guardian is reporting that Reuters executive Simon Robinson is exepcted to be the new news director
Appointment announced.
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks has announced the appointment of Simon Robinson as Director of News & Current Affairs.
Simon is currently Executive Editor of Reuters, based in London. As the deputy at one of the world’s largest and most influential news organisations, Simon helps lead a global newsroom of approximately 2,600 journalists across more than 150 countries and has oversight of editorial output and digital publishing.
Simon, who began his career in Australia, brings deep experience in reporting, investigations and large‑scale newsroom transformation. As a foreign correspondent for more than two decades, he reported from dozens of countries across four continents. As an editor, he has overseen award‑winning coverage on Iran, Russia, corporate taxation and migration, and played a key role in reimagining the modern global news wire.
Simon Robinson:
“I am thrilled and honoured to be named the ABC’s Director of News & Current Affairs. As a passionate believer in the power of fact-based, independent journalism, I believe the ABC plays a pivotal role in providing Australians with the reliable reporting we all need. I grew up listening to and watching ABC News. It seemed ever present in my childhood home. On a personal note, I am delighted this role brings me home, among family and friends.”
Hugh Marks:
“Simon Robinson is one of the most experienced and respected newsroom leaders in global journalism. His track record leading large, complex news operations and his deep commitment to fact‑based reporting make him an outstanding choice to lead the ABC’s News division.”
Simon will start with the ABC in September.
Great get for the ABC.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading Sri Lanka media conglomerate The Maharaja Media Network (MMN) which manages MTV Channel (Private) Limited and MBC Networks (Private) Limited.
The new agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the ABC and MMN across content sharing, collaborative productions and professional exchange initiatives including through the ABC’s international media development program and regional industry networks such as the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union.
ABC Australia, the ABC’s international television service, first partnered with MMN’s MTV Channel in 2022 through a television licence agreement that enabled the broadcast of selected ABC current affairs, entertainment, cultural and sports programming.
Since then, the two organisations have extended their collaboration across editorial partnerships, promotional activities and regional media engagement.
Recent examples include MMN’s support for the upcoming launch of Culture by Design’s second series, featuring Sri Lankan artisans and designers alongside creatives from across Asia, and the ABC’s sharing of emergency coverage during Cyclone Ditwah from MMN’s news network News 1st, connecting Asia-Pacific audiences with timely reporting from Sri Lanka.
Chevaan Daniel, Group Director - Capital Maharaja Group and The Maharaja Media Network said: “Our partnership with ABC Australia began in 2022 during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis—a powerful vote of confidence in both MMN and the country. Since then, ABC has stood by us through challenging times, including the Ditwah Cyclone in 2025. Signing this MoU marks a meaningful next step in a trusted partnership, and we look forward to deepening the shared values between Australia and Sri Lanka.”
ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said: “We are delighted to formalise our partnership with MMN and look forward to exploring new opportunities for collaboration across content media development and digital storytelling. This partnership builds on an already strong relationship and reflects our shared commitment to supporting public-interest media across the Indo-Pacific region and strengthening cultural and media ties between Australia and Sri Lanka.”
rage is one of the cheapest programs on the air which fills many hours of transmission. It only employs 3 fulltime people as it is.
Alessandra Galloni to present the 2026 Andrew Olle Media Lecture
The ABC is delighted to announce that the 2026 Andrew Olle Media Lecture will be delivered by Alessandra Galloni, Editor-in-Chief of Reuters, on Tuesday 21 July at the ABC Studios in Sydney.
Galloni is one of the world’s most influential newsroom leaders, overseeing Reuters’ global editorial operations. She was named editor-in-chief in 2021 and is the first woman to serve as editor-in-chief in the organisation’s 175-year history.
“I am honoured to deliver the Andrew Olle Lecture,” she said. “At a time of profound change for the media, it is important to reflect on the values that underpin trusted, independent journalism.”
Galloni began her career with Reuters in Rome in 1996 before moving to London. She later spent 13 years at The Wall Street Journal as a reporter, economics and business writer and editor across London, Paris and Rome. She rejoined Reuters in 2013 as editor of the Southern Europe bureau and went on to become Global Managing Editor, overseeing international news planning and coverage.
Her work has been recognised with some of journalism’s highest honours, including the 2020 Lawrence Minard Editor Award from the Gerald Loeb Foundation and the UCLA Anderson School of Management. She has also received an Overseas Press Club Award and a UK Business Journalist of the Year Award.
An Italian national, Galloni is a graduate of Harvard University and holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics.
Named in honour of the late ABC broadcaster Andrew Olle, the Andrew Olle Media Lecture is one of Australia’s most respected forums for examining the role and future of journalism.
Following Galloni’s keynote address exploring the future of journalism internationally, the event will feature a panel discussion examining how these themes resonate in the Australian context. Facilitated by Hamish Macdonald, the discussion will bring together Galloni alongside Hugh Marks (Managing Director, ABC), Michael Miller (Executive Chair, News Corp Australasia), Jane Palfreyman (Managing Director, SBS) and Matt Stanton (CEO and Managing Director, Nine Entertainment) to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the Australian media landscape.
Robyn Leonard OAM, Founder and Director of Brain Cancer Australia, said the organisation is proud to continue its partnership with the Andrew Olle Media Lecture.
“Brain cancer took Andrew Olle in the prime of his life – and it continues to do the same for thousands of Australians each year. What’s most devastating is that survival rates are much the same today as they were when Andrew died 31 years ago. People diagnosed with the most common form of brain cancer are still only given around 15 months to live.
“The Andrew Olle Media Lecture continues to honour Andrew’s legacy while driving awareness and support. Funds raised are helping Brain Cancer Australia build the national research infrastructure needed to accelerate breakthroughs, bringing together data, tissue samples and systems to improve care and deliver life-saving treatments sooner.”
The 2026 Andrew Olle Media Lecture will also be broadcast on ABC News Channel and ABC iview.
Tickets for the Andrew Olle Media Lecture can be purchased here.
All funds raised from ticket sales are donated to Brain Cancer Australia to further research and awareness of the disease.
As previously confirmed, the SA Government has put forward funding for a new arts precient which will house the ABC’s Adelaide operations
Another state arts media hub on Franklin Street landed $49.3 million, as promised by the government ahead of the election.
The project would draw the State Opera, State Theatre, Country Arts SA and the ABC under one roof – the dollars projected to be spent by 2029.
The government has partnered with the ABC to deliver the arts hub, with taxpayer dollars earmarked for a fit-out and upfront leasing costs for the three state art entities’ new digs.
An announcement was made about the project earlier this year with a 2029 completion but the ABC recently said it expected to move in by 2031.
Wouldn’t this be seen as moving in to SBS territory who specialise in international content?
ABC has a Memorandum of Understanding with many public broadcasters especially in the Asia Pacific area
