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ABC promotes Sally Riley to Head of Scripted Production

Sally Riley, currently ABC’s Head of Indigenous dept, will oversee Fiction, Comedy, Children's & Indigenous strands.

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2016-05-25_1201

Sally Riley, currently ABC’s Head of Indigenous dept, has been promoted to the newly created role of Head of Scripted Production.

She replaces Carole Sklan who resigned as Head of Fiction (former title) in February.

Under a recent structure, the new role encompasses responsibility for leading the Fiction, Comedy (led by Rick Kalowski), Children’s (Michael Carrington) and Indigenous strands.

Formerly Head of Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department, Riley joined ABC TV in 2010, commissioning Redfern Now, Black Comedy, Gods of Wheat Street, 8MMM Aboriginal Radio plus upcoming drama Cleverman.

ABC Director of Television, Richard Finlayson, said: “Sally is an incredibly accomplished television executive, and over many years, she has nurtured and developed the Indigenous production sector, so that today it stands as one of the most innovative and vibrant parts of the industry in Australia.

“There has never been a more exciting, or competitive time to be in scripted production and the ABC is well placed to take advantage of increasing demand for quality content. For that reason, it’s very satisfying to be able to recognise outstanding talent within our own ranks at the ABC.”

Sally Riley said: “It is an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to lead the scripted team at the ABC, which has such a rich and enduring legacy of bringing the most compelling Australian stories to audiences.

“In this increasingly global screen industry, it takes risky and bold storytelling that is not only uniquely Australian, but speaks to the rest of the world, that will resonate. I look forward to working with the independent production sector to continue to bring their bold, creative visions to life.”

In March ABC announced Head of Programming Brendan Dahill would become Head of Non-Scripted Production, with Rebecca Heap overseeing both Scripted and Non-Scripted roles, as Head of Audience & Digital.

Riley begins in her new role immediately.

A replacement for Head of Indigenous is yet to be appointed.

2 Responses

  1. The last two appointments as head of ABC Drama were in-house so this just perpetuates management preference for insiders. I would have thought with a new CEO appointed the time was ripe to bring in an outsider with fresh ideas and a new perspective. It all seems a little too cosy.

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