News

Michael Carrington to depart ABC for production sector

Michael Carrington, the ABC’s director of its entertainment and specialist division, will depart the public service broadcaster in July to return to the production sector.

Carrington was appointed to the position in 2019. During his time in the role, Carrington commissioned the internationally-renowned program Bluey, and original series including Old Peoples Home for 4 Year Olds, Fisk and The Newsreader.

Michael Carrington

He was the key driving force behind the ABC Diversity and Inclusion Commissioning Guidelines, ensuring more diverse faces, voices, cultures and stories are reflected and represented on screen.

Carrington also saw the launch of the $5 million Fresh Start Fund, which supported more than 200 Australian productions and new content ideas in the early days of COVID-19.

The existing leadership team will report to Jennifer Collins as acting director entertainment and specialist during the transition period.

On his departure, Carrington said: “In 2020, the ABC announced a five-year-plan to transform from a traditional broadcaster to the nation’s most trusted and valued digital content provider across all platforms. That plan is on track – I am proud of the contribution the whole team in E&S has made and I thank them for their dedication.

“I also owe a huge thank you to the world-class independent producers, writers, and performers I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years. The ABC will always be an inspiration to me, and I am grateful to have had this experience.”

ABC managing director David Anderson added: “Michael is a thoughtful, inclusive and creative leader, and the impact of his decisions can be seen in the vibrant range of programs the ABC has delivered to audiences under his guidance.

“Many of those decisions were made in response to the COVID pandemic and Michael showed great leadership during this time.

Michael is highly regarded and I know everyone at the ABC wishes him well with the next step in his already dynamic career.”

ABC had nothing further to add to Mumbrella, following the statement released by the network. There is no word yet on where Carrington may be going.

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