ABC programming exec to depart

Rebecca Heap, ABC Head of Distribution for Entertainment & Specialist, is leaving the ABC after four years in what will be another reshuffle for the public broadcaster.

She joined as Head of Strategy & Digital Products in 2014, becoming Head of Programming and Digital in 2016 following a management restructure when Brendan Dahill became Head of Non-Scripted Production.

The role entailed vast programming oversight for ABC, ABC KIDS, ABC ME and ABC Comedy in addition iview and children’s digital products. In February, ABC restructured once more as Head of Distribution for Entertainment & Specialist, adding ABC listen and RN to the portfolio.

David Anderson, ABC Director of Entertainment & Specialist, said: “I know our team and our industry partners will all want to join me in thanking Bec for the significant contribution she has made during her time at the ABC. Bec’s leadership across digital and programming has been invaluable.

“Bec has championed ABC iview, which remains the leading broadcast video on demand service in Australia, and under her leadership the team have grown monthly program plays from 20 million in 2014 to almost 60 million.

“In addition to her focus on digital products, Bec developed strategies to maximise our rights, our
programming and our acquisitions to improve the reach and impact of ABC services for the Australian public. This has included the rebrand and relaunch of two broadcast channels, ABC ME (formerly ABC3) and ABC COMEDY (formerly ABC2), and the development and launch of ABC KIDS iview – the ABC’s fastest ever growing mobile app – and the ABC ME app.

“Bec has been a strong advocate for expanding our digital rights and for digital first commissioning as a mechanism to drive new audiences and develop fresh Australian stories and talent. Working closely with the content teams. this has delivered outstanding results in iview original programs such as You Can’t Ask That and The Katering Show.

“Most importantly, Bec is a passionate leader who has fostered a highly talented and engaged team, focused on delivering the best audience experience for ABC content across platforms. I’d like to thank Bec for her valuable contribution to the ABC and wish her all the best.”

Rebecca Heap said: “It has been an incredible privilege to be part of the national broadcaster and I would like to thank David Anderson, and my talented and passionate colleagues, for the amazing opportunity to manage ABC’s programming and digital products.”

Heap will depart in June. ABC has not indicated her future plans.