Greg Hywood to chair Free TV

Former Fairfax Media chief executive Greg Hywood is the next chairman of industry lobby group Free TV.

He replaces former chair Harold Mitchell, who stood down in 2018.

High on his agenda are issues around media disruption and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s proposed code of conduct to address Facebook and Google.

“Free of charge to all Australians, commercial television is highly valued by the community; even more so through these stressful times. It is the major investor in Australian entertainment content and is a centrepiece of our creative economy. As a trusted source of news and current affairs, free to air television provides a critical role in keeping our community open and transparent. I am excited by the opportunity to champion such an important contributor to our culture and economy,” he said.

CEO Bridget Fair said: “We are delighted that Greg has agreed to take on the role of Chairman. He has shown that he has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Free TV sector and the media landscape more broadly.  There is no doubt he will add significant insight and value to the work of Free TV in supporting and advancing the important contribution commercial television makes to Australia’s culture and economy.”