ABC Australia Restructures

ABC in Australia has unveiled a new structure for its creative teams, driven by the “changing behavior of Australian audiences.”

As of early next year, ABC content makers will be organized into teams of subject matter specialists, which produce creative output across all ABC formats, devices and platforms. The new structure will be based on three main teams: news, analysis and investigations; entertainment and specialist; and regional and local.

Gaven Morris, currently director of news, will lead the news, analysis and investigations team, which will be responsible for state coverage, network news and investigations and in-depth reporting. Current ABC Director Television David Anderson will lead the entertainment and specialist team, which will include children’s content, music and creative development, factual and entertainment, drama, comedy and indigenous programming. The regional and local team will be led by current director of radio, Michael Mason, and will include rural and regional teams, capital city and regional productions.

The ABC will also introduce a new Content Ideas Lab, responsible for incubating initiatives to introduce ABC content to new audiences.

“Technology is unlocking new ways for consumers to be informed, educated and entertained,” said ABC Managing Director Michelle Guthrie.

“Australian audiences are responding by embracing new formats, devices and platforms and increasingly demanding control of their viewing and listening schedules.

“The changes we are announcing today adapt to meet these shifts in technology and audience behavior and give our people the freedom to grasp the opportunities that await.”

“The new structure will reduce overlap between ABC people covering the same subjects for multiple programs and platforms, and instead free them to focus on creating impactful, value-adding stories that can reach audiences however and wherever they choose to engage,” Guthrie continued.

“The result will be extended reach and relevance, a better experience for our audience and an ABC that, in a fragmented landscape, provides the critical space for debate, dialogue and ideas.”

Guthrie said the structure delivered on the ABC’s Charter at a time of rapid change. “By keeping what is central—our Charter, our sense of public service and our presence across the nation—and purposefully adapting the way we work to meet the changing expectations of our audiences, we can deepen our connection to citizens.

“In a time of unprecedented disruption, the ABC’s role is more important than ever. It means there is a heavy onus on us to ensure we make the right decisions to maintain relevance and value,” she concluded.