ABC's chief content officer Chris Oliver-Taylor to leave the broadcater

The ABC's most senior television and video streaming executive will leave after less than two years in his position amidst a series of high-profile departures from the national broadcaster. Chris Oliver-Taylor, the head of the ABC's content division, was appointed to his role by now-outgoing managing director David Anderson in March 2023, bringing together audio, including radio networks Radio National and triple j, and screen commissioning under a single division.

The former Netflix executive faced a turbulent period at ABC, during which he was involved in the controversy over the dismissal of fill-in presenter Antoinette Lattouf and witnessed his division being split after the arrival of new chair Kim Williams. In October, a new structure shifted responsibility for ABC's radio networks and other audio content to a dedicated audio division, reducing the scope of Chris Oliver-Taylor's role. However, by late 2023, as the executive in charge of radio, Oliver-Taylor was a key figure in the controversial dismissal of fill-in presenter Antoinette Lattouf.

Announcing Oliver-Taylor's departure, Managing Director David Anderson said: "Chris has made the decision to focus his efforts on other roles, and I know he will remain an advocate for ABC, whatever direction his career takes him in the future," commented.

Oliver-Taylor expressed sadness over his decision to leave: "Over the past year, the role and responsibilities have changed significantly, with audio now reporting directly to the Managing Director and some digital content moved to other areas. These changes, along with a redefined creative vision established by the board, led me to reflect on ABC's future needs.After conversations with the Managing Director and reflecting on my ongoing discussions with ABC’s board and chair over several months, I believe this is a fitting time to allow ABC to continue reshaping its structure.With a new Managing Director, a renewed board, and what I see as a very positive and hopeful future for ABC, I have decided to make this difficult decision and pursue new opportunities outside of ABC;" noted.

Kim Williams, former Chief Executive of News Limited, was appointed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in March following the departure of former chair Ita Buttrose at the end of her five-year term. After his appointment, Williams publicly spoke about the crucial role of ABC's audio teams, particularly focusing on the renewal of Radio National. In October, Anderson announced that the audio and screen teams, previously integrated into the content division, would once again be separated, with the creation of an audio division under the leadership of new Director of Audio, Ben Latimer.

Oliver-Taylor's departure comes at a time of leadership change at ABC. Anderson is preparing to hand over his role to his successor, former Nine CEO Hugh Marks, in March. Anderson has led ABC since 2018 but announced his resignation in August, just one year into his second five-year term, months after Williams took over as chair of ABC's board.