Julie Flynn Retiring as CEO of Australia’s Free TV

SYDNEY: Julie Flynn, who for 15 years has served as CEO of Australia’s Free TV, announced she would step down as head of the organization in July.

Flynn was appointed CEO of Free TV in February 2001. She oversaw the smooth transition from analog to digital TV and also led the group in its efforts to secure more commercially viable license fees, maintain major iconic sporting events free on TV and develop better codes of practice.

Free TV Chairman Harold Mitchell said the board reluctantly accepted Flynn’s decision to retire.

“Julie has been a remarkably effective participant and advocate in a complex area of public policy,” Mitchell said. “Julie’s leadership of Free TV is valued highly across the industry and her work is respected by broadcasters, regulators and politicians from all sides of politics.”

He added: “Her retirement will be a loss for Free TV and for the industry. Julie has done a lot to improve recognition of the continuing value of commercial television to advertisers as well as the public. Her articulate and passionate representation of the industry has ensured that the value of free-to-air television services to all Australians has been front and center of the public policy debate.”

“This has been a difficult decision for me,” Flynn said. “The last 15 years have been an extraordinary privilege and a pleasure and I am extremely proud of all that we have been able to achieve over that time. Free TV is a great organization in an industry that continues to be at the center of Australian life. It is able to attract and retain talented staff, and I greatly appreciate their efforts and commitment.”