Sally Riley awarded Commissioner of The Year

ABC Head of Scripted Production Sally Riley has been awarded the inaugural recipient of the Commissioner of The Year Award, a new category at the SPA Awards.

Riley’s drama and comedy team have developed and commissioned titles including, Cleverman, Redfern Now, Janet King, Rake, The Heights, Glitch, Gods of Wheat Street, 8MMM Aboriginal Radio and sketch comedy series Black Comedy.

More recent productions have included Frayed, The Newsreader, Mystery Road, Fires, Preppers, Stateless and Wakefield. She was previously Manager of ABC’s Indigenous Department and Head of Indigenous at Screen Australia.

“Sally’s commitment to championing diverse storytelling in Australia has gained her recognition nationally and internationally. Known for being one of the leading advocates for inclusive programming in the industry, Sally’s vision is clear, and she is responsive to gaps in the market, providing opportunities for Australian stories from screen industry professionals who may have otherwise been overlooked and unheard,” Screen Producers Australia said in a statement.

“I’m absolutely honoured to receive this inaugural award,” Riley said. “In doing so I’d like to acknowledge our fantastic independent producers, who give their all to bring our Australian stories to life. I feel immensely privileged to work in such a dynamic industry and at the ABC in particular – the network that continues to champion, support and deliver Australian content.”

This new category has been created to acknowledge an Australian commissioner working closely with the independent production sector. Nominations were received for commissioners working across national and commercial broadcasters as well as streaming services.

SPA Awards ceremony will take place at The Star Gold Coast on Wednesday 30 March, as part of Screen Forever.