The ABC is pleased to announce the appointment of Solua Middleton as Head of Indigenous Audio.
Solua is Chair of the Bonner Committee, where she played a key role in shaping the ABC’s Listen Loudly, Act Strongly anti-racism initiative. The Bonner Committee is the ABC’s primary advisory body on issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, content and communities.
A proud Torres Strait Islander woman, Solua has over 25 years of experience in the media industry, including 15 years with the ABC where she is co-executive producer of ABC News Story Lab’s Deep Time project. She was previously co-executive producer of the ABC’s national project Right Wrongs, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, an ABC radio and ABC Open producer and features writer. Earlier in her career, she was a journalist with The Koori Mail and NITV National News and founder and publisher of the Gold Coast Indigenous Newspaper Be Counted.
Solua Middleton: “I’m really excited to be joining the Audio division as their inaugural Head of Indigenous Audio and working with Ben Latimer and the division’s leadership team. I see a real potential to strengthen our connection and service to Indigenous audiences and explore new ideas to build on the highly respected work of our flagship programs Speaking Out and Awaye! I’ve been passionately telling Indigenous stories for several decades and am looking forward to continuing to amplify those stories for all Australians.”
In the newly created Head of Indigenous Audio role, Solua will collaborate with Indigenous communities, creators, and ABC teams to strengthen cultural representation, and ensure culturally appropriate editorial leadership across all content. She will also be responsible for expanding opportunities for Indigenous talent and championing First Nations voices, stories, and perspectives across ABC radio networks and on-demand audio platforms.
ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer: “This is a landmark appointment for the ABC Audio division and a vital step in strengthening our First Nations storytelling. Solua is a tireless advocate and supporter of colleagues and the broader Indigenous community. She will play a key strategic and creative role leading the development and delivery of Indigenous content and partnerships across ABC Audio. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”
Solua received the Henry Mayer Media Prize in 2005, a Clarion Award for the Aftermath project and Human Rights Media Awards for Right Wrongs, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. She has also served on the Walkley Judging Board and recently completed the prestigious Dr John Yu Fellowship with the University of Sydney Business School.
Solua starts in the role on November 3.