Michael Carrington quits top ABC role

EXCLUSIVE:

Michael Carrington has announced his departure from ABC after 6 years at the broadcaster, and 4 in his role as Director of Entertainment & Specialist.

In a note to staff he announced he will be departing in July to return to the production sector.

Bluey, Old Peoples Home for 4 Year Olds, Fisk and The Newsreader are just some of the programs he has commissioned during his tenure. He was also the key driving force behind the 2021 release of the ABC Diversity and Inclusion Commissioning Guidelines, ensuring more diverse faces, voices, cultures and stories are reflected on screen.

“In my four years as the Director Entertainment & Specialist, I have been grateful to lead E&S in delivering on the ABC’s Five-Year Plan to transform us from a 90-year-old traditional broadcaster to the nation’s most trusted and valued content provider across all platforms,” he wrote.

“It is due to the hard work of everyone in this team that we have been able to deliver on the Five-Year Plan by strengthening our creative teams, aligning our linear and digital platforms, evolving ABC iview to a true video on demand platform, improving our operations, and most importantly, continually delivering on our reputation as the home of exceptional Australian content. All this has created a strong foundation for the ABC to connect with and build new audiences into the future.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your creativity and dedication. It has been my incredible privilege to witness as E&S has risen above challenges to always deliver the best for our audiences, and I am leaving the ABC confident that you will continue to do so.

“I also owe a thank you to the amazing local independent producers, writers, and performers I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years. Being able to support this incredible industry during the challenges of COVID with the launch of the $5 million Fresh Start Fund which supported more than 200 Australian productions and new content ideas, will remain a personal highlight.

“The ABC has always and will continue to be an inspiration to me, and I am grateful to have had this experience and to share it with you all.”

ABC Managing Director David Anderson said, “Michael is a thoughtful, inclusive and creative leader, and the impact of his decisions can be seen in the vibrant range of programs the ABC has delivered to audiences under his guidance.

“Many of those decisions were made in response to the COVID pandemic and Michael showed great leadership during this time.

“Michael is highly regarded and I know everyone at the ABC wishes him well with the next step in his already dynamic career.”

ABC Head of Factual Jennifer Collins will step in as acting Director Entertainment & Specialist in his absence.

“I have no doubt that Jen will continue to drive our team forward as we shape the future of the ABC for our audiences,” Carrington said.