‘There is sadness in this decision’: Chris Oliver-Taylor to leave the ABC
Chris Oliver-Taylor has announced his departure from the national broadcaster, in the latest big shake up at the ABC.
Oliver-Taylor was appointed by the ABC as the inaugural chief content officer in March, 2023, where he was tasked with developing and launching the new ‘Content’ division created from the merger of the former ‘Entertainment & Specialist’ and ‘Regional & Local’ divisions.
In light of the recent decision to reinstate and elevated ABC Audio, the broadcaster has decided to discontinue the chief content officer role. ABC’s head of screen content Jennifer Collins will step into the role of director of content to lead the ‘Content’ division until further notice.
ABC MD David Anderson said Oliver-Taylor was “outstanding in his creative approach to supporting our content teams and delivering valued programs for our audiences.
“He took on a very challenging role, one that required someone with his experience and ability, and led our content teams through this period of change and growth.
“The ABC thanks him and wishes him well for the next stage of his career.”
Oliver-Taylor said: “After recent discussions with the managing director and reflecting on my ongoing conversations with the ABC board and the chair across many months, I have decided to make a difficult decision and move on to new opportunities outside of the ABC.
“With a new MD, a renewed board and what I think is a very positive and hopeful future, the ABC is in great shape to continue its vital role as the pre-eminent public broadcaster in Australia.
“There is sadness in this decision but also pride and excitement with the slate that will roll out across 2025 and in future years.
“The ABC is a vital cultural institution that will continue to deliver world-class content. I will always be a strong supporter of the ABC and public broadcasting and am deeply grateful for my time here, as well as the dedication of my ABC colleagues and the production companies that contribute to its success.”
Oliver-Taylor’s final day will be February 28.
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Nathan Jolly is the Features Editor at Mumbrella. He joined the team in July, 2023.
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