From Free TV
Harold Mitchell AC resigns as Chairman of Free TV Australia
Free TV Australia was advised this morning that Mr Harold Mitchell AC had decided to resign from his position as Chairman.
Free TV CEO, Bridget Fair, said: “It is with great regret that Free TV announces that Mr Harold Mitchell AC has taken the decision to resign as Chairman of Free TV. Harold’s contributions to the industry cannot be overstated. Over the past five years he has overseen some of the most significant developments in the commercial television sector and delivered superb leadership and advice, for which we are sincerely grateful.
“Harold’s expertise, experience and commitment will be very much missed throughout the organisation. He leaves a lasting and important legacy at Free TV, having significantly changed the industry for the better in his time as Chairman.
“Speaking personally, I am very sorry to be losing Harold, who has been an outstanding Chairman for Free TV. It has been a great privilege to have the opportunity to work with and learn from a business leader of his calibre with such a deep understanding of commercial television and the wider industry landscape. He has been generous with his knowledge, his energy and his time in furthering the interests of Free TV broadcasters and leaves us very well placed for the future,” added Ms Fair.
One of Australia’s most successful and well-regarded media executives, Mr Mitchell was the founder of Mitchell & Partners and executive chairman of Aegis Media Asia Pacific. He also founded the Harold Mitchell Foundation and is a major contributor to Australian public life. Mr Mitchell was appointed Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to the community through leadership and philanthropic endeavours in the fields of art, health and education, and as a supporter of humanitarian aid in Timor-Leste and the indigenous community.
Some of the key issues in which Mr Mitchell has played a key role during his tenure as Chairman include the historic repeal of the media ownership laws, the removal of commercial television licence fees, the transition to digital only television, defeating the proposal to increase SBS advertising time limits and maintaining the anti-siphoning list.
Ms Fair concluded: “Harold will be sorely missed by Free TV and the commercial television industry. We thank him for his outstanding service to the industry and we wish him well.”
Statement by Harold Mitchell AC
I have advised Free TV this morning that I intend to resign from my position as chairman immediately.
It is with regret that I have been forced to make this decision following the false accusations by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, which I intend to vigorously defend.
I am proud of my achievements in my five years with Free TV when we achieved a repeal of the media ownership laws, the scrapping of commercial television licence fees and maintenance of the anti-siphoning list.
I wish Free TV and its members all the best in the future.