Channel manager Ben Nguyen to depart SBS

SBS channel manager Ben Nguyen will depart the broadcaster.

He has been channel manager for SBS for 7 of his 13 years, and was previously a Documentary and Factual programmer, and formerly with the Australian Film Commission.

On Twitter he announced, “After almost 13 years, I have decided to take the step of leaving SBS in June to pursue other opportunities. I am immensely proud of the way SBS has transformed in my time here, from a traditional TV and radio broadcaster in an analogue world, to an exciting and leading digital player providing a curated world of incredible content through streaming, podcasting and five highly distinctive channels. Most of all I’ll miss my incredible colleagues, too many of them to individually name, who are so passionate about the SBS purpose and the role it plays in the Australian media. I leave knowing SBS is in terrific hands. From bringing the world back home, to the world is an amazing place, to six billion stories and counting, and onwards, I know the future is bright. I will share in the coming months what’s next, but for now I want to thank everyone who helped make my @SBS career so rich and rewarding.”

In a note to staff Head of Network Programming Peter Andrews said, “There are not many that know SBS quite like Ben – he has been the brains behind our main channel for many years, 13 in fact, and has thoughtfully crafted that offering for audiences. He’s also been instrumental in strengthening SBS’s relationships with content partners and suppliers in the market, which is so crucial to our ability to source and secure the distinctive content we are known for, in an increasingly competitive landscape.

“More recently, he’s also been a voice on podcasts, he’s taken on Channel Management of SBS VICELAND, and over the last year in particular, has been a driving force behind our ongoing improvement as a Division, and more broadly as an organisation, around diversity and inclusion. It’s clear he is deeply passionate for ensuring SBS is a leader as a workplace and an operator, in the Australian media and his efforts will have lasting impact on how we work. But on a personal level, I know he’s a friend to many people throughout SBS, and will be missed by many more who he works with across the organisation.”

Ben Nguyen has also featured in 4 x Programmer’s Wraps at TV Tonight.

This week Josh Martin, Commissioning Editor of Entertainment and Food, also announced he would depart SBS in June.