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ABC head of online and multiplatform Arul Baskaran departs

ABCArul Baskaran, head of online and multiplatform for the ABC is departing the public broadcaster to pursue new opportunities in digital media.

Baskaran played a key role in the launch of the ABC’s catch up service iView with the ABC leading in the Australian online catch up space with monthly visitors growing from 122,000 in 2008 to more than 1.3 million today.

The ABC’s director of television, Richard Finlayson, said: “After nearly a decade with the ABC, Arul’s contribution to the growth of iView has been simply outstanding.

“He has grown a market-leading platform from virtually nothing to one that supports more than 200 million views a year and he leaves the ABC ideally positioned for the next phase of digital transformation.  We wish him every success in his future ventures.”

Baskaran recently played a key role in commissioning ABC’s first ‘straight to on-demand’ programs for iView, including the Fresh Blood comedy initiative in partnership with Screen Australia, the post-apocalyptic web series Wastelander Panda, and Noirhouse, a web festival-winning comedy.

He was also responsible for ABC TV’s kids’ digital properties, overseeing the development of the ABC3 and ABC4Kids portals and commissioning a range of games, interactive content and apps for program brands including Play School, Bananas in Pyjamas, Giggle and Hoot, Dance Academy and Nowhere Boys, several of which have been recognised with international awards.

“It’s been a privilege to work at the ABC and to lead our digital expansion, especially with iView which is now a household name in Australia,” said Baskaran. “I’ve had the chance to head an exceptional team working on innovative products and I look forward to the next challenge.”

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