Chris Oliver-Taylor is exiting his post as chief content officer at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Oliver-Taylor was appointed by the ABC as the inaugural chief content officer in March 2023 to lead all content platforms. He was tasked with developing and launching the new content division created from the merger of the former entertainment and specialist and regional and local divisions.
Following the elevation of ABC Audio in late 2024, the ABC will now discontinue the chief content officer role.
Oliver-Taylor’s final day at the ABC will be February 28. ABC’s head of screen content, Jennifer Collins, steps into the role of director of content to lead the content division until further notice.
ABC’s managing director, David Anderson, commented, “Chris has been outstanding in his creative approach to supporting our content teams and delivering valued programs for our audiences. He took on a very challenging role, one that required someone with his experience and ability, and led our content teams through this period of change and growth.
“The ABC thanks him and wishes him well for the next stage of his career.”
In a message to his ABC colleagues, Oliver-Taylor said, “After recent discussions with the managing director and reflecting on my ongoing conversations with the ABC board and the chair across many months, I have decided to make a difficult decision and move on to new opportunities outside of the ABC. With a new managing director, a renewed board and what I think is a very positive and hopeful future, the ABC is in great shape to continue its vital role as the pre-eminent public broadcaster in Australia.
“There is sadness in this decision but also pride and excitement with the slate that will roll out across 2025 and in future years.
“The ABC is a vital cultural institution that will continue to deliver world-class content. I will always be a strong supporter of the ABC and public broadcasting and am deeply grateful for my time here, as well as the dedication of my ABC colleagues and the production companies that contribute to its success.”
