ABC boss quits in bombshell email
Written by admin on August 22, 2024
The ABC’s managing director David Anderson has resigned and is set to walkaway from his $1.156m job from early next year.
Staff were informed of the news on Thursday through an internal email, after Mr Anderson told the ABC board of his intentions to leave.
He leaves just a year into his second five-year term, which was slated to end in July 2028.
According to the ABC’s annual report from the 2022-23 financial year, the executive position paid a total renumeration package of $1,156,969, increasing year-on-year by $120,000.
In comparison, the ABC’s former chair Ita Buttrose commanded a total salary package of $211,297, and the news director Justin Stevens took home $533,817.
Despite Mr Anderson’s sizeable pay bump, it came at a year when the national broadcaster suffered a 4 per cent dip in reach across their online, radio and television channels.
“This overall decline was driven by declines in radio reach and a softer news cycle post the Covid-19 pandemic,” the report said.
In his email to staff, Mr Anderson said he remained “committed to the importance of the ABC to the nation,” however, said it was the “right moment for leadership renewal”.
He had also agreed to a request by ABC chair Kim Williams, who succeeded Ita Buttrose, to remain in his role until early 2025 to ensure “a smooth transition”.
“To have the opportunity to serve the Australian public and lead such talented and dedicated people across the country and overseas for what is approaching six years is humbling,” Mr Anderson wrote.
“I am grateful to Kim Williams and the board for their support and their efforts to persuade me to stay on for my full second term.
“Their unabashed enthusiasm for the importance and future of the Corporation makes this decision easier. I am confident the timing is right for both me and the ABC.”
Mr Williams lauded Mr Anderson as a “loyal, devoted and talented ABC executive”.
“David’s agreement to offer support through the coming months to ensure a smooth the transition to a new managing director is welcome, generous and has been accepted,” he said.
“I have to say my admiration for him and his commitment to the ABC is undiminished and my respect grows ever greater. He is an exemplary executive in many ways.”
Mr Anderson was permanently promoted to the role in May 2019, after serving as the acting managing director since September 2018.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland thanked Mr Anderson for his direction of the ABC during tumultuous times including the Covid pandemic, budget cuts and its transition to digital media.
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“I thank Mr Anderson for his dedicated service as Australia’s media industry continues to transition to the digital landscape,” she said.
“Mr Anderson has provided an experienced and steady hand at the ABC, having risen through the ranks, and I look forward to seeing the outcome of the appointment process as the ABC continues to fulfil its charter to inform, educate and entertain all Australians.
“On behalf of the Australian government, I wish Mr Anderson well in his future endeavours once he finishes in the role and look forward to working with his successor.”
