ABC reshuffles execs in “platform agnostic” move
Rebecca Heap to oversee all ABC Programming with Brendan Dahill to become Head of Non-Scripted Production.
- Published by David Knox
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ABC has announced a major restructure of its executive team described as a ‘platform-agnostic’ approach to content commissioning.
All Programming will now move under the responsibility of a new role, the Head of Audience & Digital. Rebecca Heap, formerly Head of Strategy and Digital Products, will oversee programming for all broadcast channels, ABC iview and children’s digital.
Creative responsibilities will be split between new Head of Non-Scripted Production and the Head of Scripted Production roles.
Brendan Dahill, formerly Head of Programming, becomes Head of Non-Scripted Production team which will include the Heads of Arts (Mandy Chang), Factual (Steve Bibb), Entertainment (Jon Casimir) and Events (Justin Holdforth).
The Head of Scripted Production, is yet to be announced, and will lead the Heads of Indigenous (Sally Riley), Comedy (Rick Kalowski) and Children’s (TBA). Director of Television, Richard Finlayson oversees the role during a recruitment stage.
Director of Television, Richard Finlayson, said “ABC iview is the number one online TV service in the country. Our audiences are consuming content differently and we need to be programming for the future, now.
“There is a huge growing demand for high quality, original Australian content. We have an outstanding team. The focus on Scripted and Non-Scripted production recognises the need across these distinct disciplines for concentrated creative firepower, regardless of platform, genre or demographic.”
Alastair McKinnon, will take the role of Deputy Head of Production, which will support all Scripted and Non-Scripted production.
Another new role, Head of Partnerships and Policy, takes responsibility for partner and stakeholder relationships, policy and strategy – previously under the remit of Rebecca Heap. Recruitment for this role has also commenced.
The changes follow the recent departure of key ABC executives including Adrian Swift (Head of Content and Creative Development), Carole Sklan (Head of Fiction) and Deirdre Brennan (Head of Children’s).