
Head of Children and Family to depart ABC
Libbie Doherty will depart ABC in June after five years in the role, and nine with the broadcaster.
- Published by David Knox
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ABC Head of ABC Children and Family Libbie Doherty will depart the broadcaster in June after 5 years in the role.
She has overseen both in-house productions and commissioned a raft of independent programs including Bluey, Crazy Fun Park, First Day, My Year 12 Life, The Unlisted, Mustangs FC, Hardball, Beep and Mort, Ginger & The Vegesaurs, Tomorrow When the War Began, Little J and Big Cuz, collectively winning five International Emmys, five AACTAs and four Logies.
She joined ABC as a Commissioning Editor in 2015, after working as a producer in the independent production sector. After three years as Commissioning Editor, she was appointed Head of Children and Family.
“I am so proud of what we have achieved together as the Children and Family team. I am grateful to the exceptional community of creators, producers, writers and directors who have collaborated with us on shows that have resonated all over the world. Our global partners have supported our vision and together we have put Australia on the map as a creative powerhouse,” she said.
“I am incredibly passionate about public service media, the ABC and am excited to see what this dream team will do for the most important audience – our kids.”
Head of Screen Jennifer Collins said: “On behalf of the ABC I’d like to thank Libbie for the significant contribution she has made to delivering an outstanding slate of high-quality children’s programming not only for Australian audiences but for global audiences. Libbie leaves the ABC after an impressive nine years and we wish her the very best in her continued creative endeavours in the industry.”
Chief Content Officer Chris Oliver-Taylor said: “Libbie is passionate about children’s content, and she’s been an exceptional, creative leader for many, many years, respected not just in Australia but internationally. We’re very sorry to see her go and we wish her well in the future where no doubt she’ll continue her incredible success.”
In 2021, Doherty was voted by the global children’s industry as their favourite broadcast or streaming platform partner in the inaugural Kidscreen Industry Awards and Outstanding Ally by the ABC Pride Group.
ABC Children’s and Family Commissioning Editor Mary-Ellen Mullane will undertake the role in an acting capacity from mid-June.
One Response
This is a massive loss for the ABC – another one! Is the aim to only have one person left over there? Or just the likely outcome.
A wonderful commissioner and an excellent person, she’ll leave an enormous hole.
What a legacy!