New Staff, Structure for ABC3 Launch

SYDNEY: A new organizational structure for ABC TV’s children’s department will be introduced ahead of the launch of ABC3, along with a number of new appointments.

"The ABC is entering a most exciting period in its long history of broadcasting to Australian kids," said Tim Brooke-Hunt, the executive head of children’s TV. "In a few months we will launch ABC3, a channel dedicated to school-aged children, whilst expanding our offering to pre-schoolers with ABC For Kids on 2, enhancing our online services and maintaining our current programming on ABC1. In order to enable us to achieve these aims, I am delighted to announce the appointment of a highly-qualified group of executives to enable us to realise this goal."

Emma Dobinson has been upped to manager of scheduling and acquisitions for preschool, while Emma Mungavin takes on the role of manager of scheduling and acquisitions for school-aged. Kerry O’Dowd has been appointed key brand manager, responsible for supervising the off-air activities of ABC Children’s key in-house brands as well as looking after key characters and third-party brands. These new posts report to Barbara Uecker, the head of programming and acquisitions.

Simon Hopkinson is to serve as the development and commissioning editor, responsible for supervising the development and production of shows to be commissioned from indie producers. Jan Stradling has been named executive producer for children’s productions, and Aaron Mulheron has been upped to development and commissioning coordinator. These posts report to the head of commissioning and development, Carla de Jong. Alison Weston, the manager of educational programs for ABC TV, will continue to report to Brooke-Hunt.