ABC to overhaul its digital front end, consolidate web platforms
ABC iview will form part of the broadcaster's new "single online entry point"
The ABC will merge its core digital offerings — ABC Iview, ABC Listen and ABC News — into a single web homepage as a part of a major digital overhaul.
In its latest annual report, the broadcaster announced its plans to “simplify” its digital footprint by bringing the three services together on the web, and to continue AI experimentation.
Mumbrella understands the ABC will maintain the separate apps, but “create a single online entry point anchored in news” while surfacing entertainment and lifestyle content from across the broadcaster.
The program forms part of the ABC’s broader content strategy, which hinges on its prediction that digital products will be its primary consumption point by 2028.
To support this, the ABC plans to implement new organisation-wide social media and distribution platform strategies tailored to the specificities of each platform.
This, the report said, will “maximise its investment and ensure that value is attributed to the ABC” while seeing the corporation seek “productive relationships with major technology companies.”
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At the same time, the ABC will “continue to test and build AI-based tools to support content makers”.
The ABC was unable to provide further details on the new digital measures at the time of publication.
In a report statement, ABC chair Kim Williams said: “As required under the ABC Charter, the ABC continues as a leading innovator in digital media with increased investment in our digital screen, audio and online services.
“Managing the delicate balance and inherent tension between push and pull with audiences has meant the ABC aims to be well attuned to the needs of contemporary audiences.”
The strategy comes as the ABC reported a total comprehensive loss of $1.7 million for the financial year to 30 June 2025, slightly better than the budgeted loss of $1.92 million.
The corporation received $1.19 billion in federal government funding for the year, which is expected to rise to $1.23 billion for 2025–26, along with $123.4 million in other revenue, including from ABC Commercial.
The annual report also revealed executive remuneration.
Former chief content officer Chris Oliver-Taylor received $836,098 for less than a year’s work, including a $342,436 termination payout following his departure amid the Antoinette Lattouf controversy.
Oliver-Taylor was responsible for sacking Lattouf during her five-day radio presenting gig. The Federal Court subsequently found the dismissal was unlawful, and awarded Lattouf $70k in compensation, followed up with a $150k fine for the ABC.
Outgoing managing director David Anderson took home $1.2 million, while incoming managing director Hugh Marks earned $399,754 between 10 March and 30 June 2025.
Williams, meanwhile, netted $219,767 for the year.
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