ABC Managing Director David Anderson Resigns

ABC Managing Director David Anderson has notified the ABC Board of his intention to leave the organisation following a recruitment process for his successor.

ABC Chair Kim Williams AM has asked Mr Anderson to stay on in the role until a new Managing Director has been appointed to ensure a smooth transition. This means he will remain in the role until early 2025.

Mr Anderson was appointed Managing Director in May 2019, after acting in the role from September 2018. Prior to this Mr Anderson enjoyed a thirty-year career at the ABC across a wide range of television, digital strategy and executive roles.

In a note to all ABC staff today Mr Anderson said the decision had not been an easy one.

“I am still very much committed to the importance of the ABC to the nation,” he said. “I believe it is the right moment for leadership renewal for the next stage of the ABC’s continued evolution.

“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.

“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.

“Kim has asked that I stay on in the role until a new Managing Director has been appointed to ensure a smooth transition, which I expect will be at least until the start of next year.”

ABC Chair Kim Williams said: “David Anderson is a loyal, devoted and talented ABC executive. He has served the Corporation in the best tradition of committed public service over a long period.

“I have requested that he stay on in the role until a new Managing Director has been recruited and appointed. 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.

“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.”

As Managing Director, Mr Anderson has brought stability to the organisation during a challenging period that has included the ABC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019 Mr Anderson defended journalists, whistle-blowers and press freedom following raids on ABC offices by the AFP.

Mr Anderson has successfully advocated for reinvestment in the ABC after several years of budget cuts, an increase in journalist numbers in regional Australia, and an expansion of services to audiences across the Indo-Pacific.

Mr Anderson has also led the national broadcaster through a period of rapidly changing audience habits and the transition to digital services.

Before stepping into the role of Acting Managing Director in September 2018, Mr Anderson was the Director, Entertainment & Specialist, responsible for all ABC radio music networks (triple j, Double j, Classic, Country and Jazz), podcasts and specialist radio content (Radio National) as well as broadcast television networks (ABCTV, ABC Kids, ABC Comedy, ABC ME), on-demand products and services (ABC iview, ABC listen, ABC Kids listen, ABC Kids) and network websites and apps.

His other roles have included Director of Television, Director of the ABC’s Digital Network and Director of Strategy & Planning.

The ABC Board will in due course begin the process to select a new Managing Director.

POSITION: Committee Members, 3MDR 97.1fm, Upwey South VIC

The 3MDR Committee of Management seeks interested persons to nominate for the positions of Ordinary Member, Treasurer, and President at our AGM in November 2024.

Applicants must be financial members of 3MDR. To enquire about the nomination process contact secretary@3mdr.com.

The Committee of Management (CofM) of 3MDR has an important role to play. The CofM is a collection of individuals (members) who form the ‘leadership group’ of the station. The CofM is primarily responsible for governing, overseeing the affairs of, and making strategic decisions for 3MDR and on behalf of our members.

The 3MDR CofM meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7pm at Forest Park Homestead in Upwey, Victoria.  Every year, approximately  4 – 6  of the meetings are formal governance meetings, and others are informal workshops.

You can read about the experience of being on the 3MDR CofM from our newest member, Ben Langdon, here.

Please see the position descriptions via this document and for copies of the complete Office Bearers’ position descriptions, please email secretary@3mdr.com.

POSITION: Station Manager, CMS FM91.1, Canberra ACT

CMS Radio (FM 91.1) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Station Manager to oversee the operations of Canberra’s full-time multicultural radio station. The Station Manager will be responsible for ensuring the smooth, efficient, and safe operation of the station, managing staff, and delivering exceptional customer service. This is a key leadership role that requires a hands-on approach, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Check out our website to learn more about us – www.cmsradio.org.au.

DESCRIPTION:

The Station Manager is responsible for the operations and business development of the station including developing grants, program content, presentation, technology, human resources, physical resources and administration. They will work on community engagement (including sponsorships), manage day-to-day operations and administration of the station, and liaise with and manage support to broadcasters including training.

In collaboration with other staff and volunteers, they implement the strategy and direction set by the Board, develop and monitor management policies, budgets, and business plans, report on development and promotional activities, ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory matters, develop the station’s profile in the Canberra community, ensure infrastructure is resourced and developed, and implement effective internal and external communications.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

The Station Manager will assist the CMS Board, staff, program coordinators and volunteers by undertaking duties such as the following:

  • Develop, implement and monitor strategies, projects, business plans and financial budgets;
  • Oversee the day-to-day operations and administration of the station, including program content, presentation, technology, transmission, human and physical resources, internal and external communications, fundraising;
  • Demonstrate a proactive approach to seeking and applying for grants, including Community Broadcasting Foundation and ACT Government grants;
  • Ensure station infrastructure is managed and resourced, developed and sustained;
  • Strengthen linkages with community and government multicultural organisations;
  • Foster constructive relationships between CMS and the Canberra region community;
  • Promote greater community awareness of partner organisations and community ethnic groups;
  • Establish positive working relations with staff, volunteers, peak bodies, community organisations, funding bodies, sponsors and other relevant organisations;
  • Build listener numbers and loyalty through understanding their needs and preferences in listening to and supporting multicultural radio;
  • Develop successful submissions and partnerships for projects in collaboration with other staff members and volunteers;
  • Ensure compliance with the terms of the CMS licence and ACMA community broadcasting rules;
  • Oversight and steer the work of the office staff;
  • Monitor quality assurance and develop a culture of continuous improvement;
  • Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Demonstrated experience of working effectively in a volunteer-based community organisation.
  • Demonstrated management skills of a small team in an office environment and engagement of support staff, e.g. technicians.
  • Strong networking and people skills, including partner, sponsor and funding organisations.
  • Sound written, oral and personal communication skills and computer literacy, attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines and work effectively with volunteers with diverse cultural backgrounds are prerequisites for success in this position.
  • Technical fluency, budgeting and financial management, training skills and experience in community radio are advantageous but not essential.
  • Applicants must be self-motivated and have the ability to work with minimal supervision and in a small team.

Flexible attendance hours aimed at complementing other staff.

All applicants are required to provide a police check and a WWVP card.

TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, email resume and cover letter to info@cmsradio.org.au. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as applications will considered as they come in.

Applications without a cover letter will not accepted.

For any questions and clarifications about the position, email info@cmsradio.org.au.

Dan Murphy’s Radio Ads Taste Cross-Channel Success

At The Audio Edge Brisbane, Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) revealed the results of a radio advertising trial with Dan Murphy’s and Analytic Partners. The trial highlighted the significant role brand-focused radio ads played in enhancing the cross-channel impact of Dan Murphy’s latest campaign, “Nobody Beats Dan Murphy’s.”

Dan Murphy’s saw radio deliver a notable performance uplift across multiple platforms, with a 19% increase in Out of Home (OOH) results, an 18% boost in TV impact, and a 14% enhancement in online video effectiveness. This cross-channel amplification paired with a consistent sonic asset has laid strong foundations for sustained brand growth.

Sam Byrne, Senior Integrated Media Manager at Dan Murphy’s, stated, “Radio played a pivotal role in elevating our brand message across channels. Historically we have used radio for value messages, but using radio for brand has not only supported our campaign’s goals but also strengthened projections for our brand presence in the market moving forward.”

This success mirrors the impact seen in McDonald’s Australia’s recent radio trial, where return on investment (ROI) surged across platforms – TV by 14%, social media by 12%, and online video by 3%. Both case studies demonstrate radio’s unique ability to amplify results and deliver strong ROI.
Paul Sinkinson, Managing Director of Analytic Partners, added, “The power of radio lies in its ability to drive synergy across channels. For Dan Murphy’s, the integration of radio improved the results for the other media channels.”

Jo Dick, CRA, chief commercial officer concluded, “The results from Dan Murphy’s and McDonald’s showcase radio’s distinct advantage in brand campaigns. In today’s crowded media landscape, radio has an unparalleled ability to cut through the noise to deliver enhanced results and an enduring impact.”

Want access to The Audio Edge Report? Download your copy today: The Audio Edge Playbook.

SBS and IMAA partnership unlocks new training for Australia’s independent media agencies

Landmark partnership sees training on core inclusion skills, gender equity, cultural diversity, disability, First Nations, LGBTIQ+, generational diversity and appropriate workplace behaviour made available to all members of the IMAA Academy.

National hybrid-funded broadcaster SBS and the Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA) have forged a new landmark partnership which will unlock SBS’s deep library of inclusion training for the more than 175 Australian agencies that make up the leading industry body.

Under the partnership, SBS will become the official Diversity & Inclusion Partner of the IMAA and agrees to provide its market leading Inclusion Program to thousands of employees who make up the IMAA membership.

“This is a significant partnership for the advertising sector,” said Jane Palfreyman, SBS Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer. “SBS lives at the intersection of public and commercial media and this deal means we will be providing important training to many of the leading independent agencies across the advertising sector.

“The Program is built to be online, interactive and informative,and is delivered in a very engaging manner. The businesses and agencies who have access to this world-class training for their people also get the reassurance that they are meeting the latest legislative requirements when it comes to areas like workplace behaviour.”

The SBS Inclusion Program is designed to help employers maximise the benefits of diversity and inclusion through Australia’s leading online training courses – covering core inclusion skills, gender equity, cultural diversity, disability, First Nations, LGBTIQ+, generational diversity, and appropriate workplace behaviour.

SBS’s courses are designed to ensure employers are able to meet new legal requirements by providing specific training around issues such as workplace sexual harassment.

IMAA CEO, Sam Buchanan, welcomed the SBS partnership: “We’re delighted to partner with SBS to provide this important program for our members. Diversity and inclusion is one of the IMAA’s key pillars and the training program provided by SBS will help not only educate our members but also ensure compliance with workplace standards.

“We have partnered with SBS because they house a significant amount of knowledge and training materials, as well as the desire to make real positive change, which will only benefit our members.”

The SBS Inclusion Program content is largely delivered as short films – animations which make difficult concepts easier to understand, and interviews featuring real stories from diverse people, academics and managers of diverse teams. It is complemented by activities designed to make people think about themselves. Additionally, further reading sections provide more detailed information on specific topics and links to a range of resources. Learn more about the SBS Inclusion Program here. Learn more about IMAA Academy here.