‘If you want my job, watch out for the ad’: Mark Scott confirms departure date from ABC
Stepping down: Mark Scott
ABC managing director Mark Scott has confirmed increasing rumours that he will step down from the position at the end of his next term, in mid-2016.
Scott, who has served two terms since first landing the job in 2006, confirmed his departure this afternoon in an email to colleagues.
In it he said: “I once answered a question on how I got my job at the ABC by giving the simple, honest answer: I responded to the position advertised in the newspaper.
“This note is just to tell you that if you are interested in being the next Managing Director, keep your eye out for an ad in coming months.”
Scott has faced a turbulent few years at the public broadcaster, being forced to preside over sweeping changes and a rapid move towards digital after the government cut tens of millions of dollars from the corporations budget in 2014, that led to hundreds of job cuts.
Scott has also enjoyed a torrid time at the hands of News Corp’s newspapers over a series of issues, most recently the decision to allow former terror suspect Zaky Mallah ask a question live on Q&A from the studio audience.
Before joining the ABC Scott served for 12 years with Fairfax Media in a variety of positions including editorial director.
Scott’s full email to staff:
Colleagues,
I once answered a question on how I got my job at the ABC by giving the simple, honest answer: I responded to the position advertised in the newspaper.
This note is just to tell you that if you are interested in being the next Managing Director, keep your eye out for an ad in coming months.
Earlier this year I indicated to the Board that I was planning to leave the ABC at the end of my second term which is in the middle of 2016. (I don’t think this will come as a surprise to anyone as I have made no secret of the fact that I think 10 years is a long time to run an organisation, particularly in a sector as dynamic and fast-changing as media.)
To ensure a smooth succession and an effective handover next year, the Board will shortly commence the process to select the next Managing Director. Accordingly, I think now is the appropriate time to confirm to ABC staff my notification to the Board and my timetable for departure.
In the interim, there is lots to be done, with a number of big projects underway. I am particularly focused on our audience strategy, the development of our digital offerings, hitting our budget targets and making the case for tri-funding. I will update you on this work down the track.
Can I add how pleased I am with our commitment to the main priority this year, serving the nation as the independent home of Australian conversations, culture and stories? On television, we have broadcast remarkable dramas, documentaries and comedies. Our radio services continue to connect millions of Australians each day with Triple J having its best-ever radio survey ever last month. In news, we are breaking stories of significance every week; stories with great impact like the 7- Eleven investigation by Four Corners. Our focus on digital is being rewarded with strong and growing audience engagement. Our iview kids app is proving to be enormously popular.
The success of the ABC is due to the passion of its staff and a clear focus on delivering for our audiences everywhere; from the largest cities, to the smallest country towns and those tuning in around the world. That focus will be our continuing priority in the months ahead.
Kind regards,
Mark
