The Squiz 

David Anderson has been the boss of the ABC for the last 6 years, but yesterday he announced that he’s off despite more than 3 years remaining in his term. He’ll stay in the role until early next year while the board searches for a new managing director. In an email to staff, Anderson said despite the public broadcaster’s new Chair Kim Williams making a case for him to stay, he believes “it is the right moment for leadership renewal for the next stage of the ABC’s continued evolution”. The organisation’s “evolution” has been getting a lot of attention of late, so some say there’s a bit more at play than their comments suggest…

Tell me more…

At a top level, the ABC (and Anderson, as the boss…) has been under pressure to retain/grow audiences. While it isn’t fighting for ad dollars, the ABC’s battle is serving up content to as many Australians as it can, as mandated by its charter. That’s the pressure point as the organisation tries to shift from traditional radio/television broadcasting towards digital content like audio on demand (including something we’re familiar with… podcasts) and digital video. It’s also providing more ‘lifestyle’ content as it cuts some of its more established programs. That’s drawn plenty of criticism from across the political divide – and from Chair Kim Williams. There’s also ongoing external criticism of the way the ABC does news. And internally, Anderson has faced 2 union-led ‘no-confidence’ votes from staff over his leadership of the broadcaster’s coverage of the Israel-Hamas war.  

But the ABC’s not the only one under pressure…

You’re not wrong. Seven’s been under fire over its dealings with former political staffer Bruce Lehrmann and after allegations of abuse within its news teams came to light, prompting several execs to quit. Nine Entertainment hasn’t got through the year unscathed either, despite its financially lucrative Paris Olympics and Paralympics coverage… It’s slashing jobs in its print newsrooms, with 85 staff taking voluntary redundancies this week, including some of its most senior journalists at the Financial Review, Sydney Morning Herald/The Age. It’s also facing allegations of misconduct and poor culture. CEO Mike Sneesby will probably have to answer to all of that when he presents the company results to investors next Wednesday – so stay tuned…