Free TV announces new CEO

Free TV Australia has appointed Bridget Fair, currently Group Chief – Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at Seven WestMedia as its new Chief Executive Officer.

She will take over the role from Free TV Acting CEO, Pamela Longstaff who stepped into the role following the exit of Brett Saville, after just 4 months in the role.

Free TV Australia Chairman Harold Mitchell said, “We are honoured such a well-regarded and talented professional has joined the organisation to lead it through its next chapter. Bridget has over 20 years’ experience in the industry, 17 of those with one of our members, Seven West Media. I’m confident that with energy and drive, Bridget will take Free TV into the new digital media world, navigating all its opportunities and challenges.”

Bridget Fair said, “Commercial free to air television has a special place in the hearts and homes of millions of Australians. It has unparalleled reach and influence despite the new multi- platform world we find ourselves in and I firmly believe it has a very strong future. I’m excited by the opportunity to lead this industry as we continue to innovate and evolve.”

“I’m very much looking forward to working closely with Nine, Ten, Southern Cross Austereo, Prime and of course Seven West Media in representing FreeTV and its fundamentally important role in our community.”

Chairman of Seven West Media, Kerry Stokes, said “While we are sad to see Bridget leave us, we
are delighted we will be able to continue to work with her in the very important role she is taking on at Free TV. I have enjoyed watching Bridget’s career evolve over the last 17 years with Seven to become the best regulatory executive in the country, with the recent media reforms a testament to her exceptional work.”

Chief Executive Officer Tim Worner, added “Bridget has been an outstanding member of our executive team and a passionate advocate for our company, not just in Canberra, but all over the country.”

Harold Mitchell thanked outgoing CEO Pam Longstaff, who will complete her contract at the end of the year.

“We thank Pam who re-joined Free TV on a fixed-term contract as Acting CEO to lead the organisation through a critical juncture and to undertake an extensive review of our operations. Her time at the helm saw us close out media reform, secure the removal of licence fees and set Free TV on a course that will take the organisation into the future. We commend her on an outstanding job,” he said.

Pam Longstaff said, “It has been a privilege to lead the industry through a period of historic media reform. I thank Free TV’s staff, congratulate Bridget and hand over with enormous confidence that the organisation is well placed to represent the industry into the future.”

Bridget Fair begins in February 2018.