ABC director-general David Anderson has resigned and staff have been told he will leave the public broadcaster early next year.
The network’s flagship current affairs show host Sarah Ferguson confirmed the news to X, writing: ‘CEO David Anderson announces his intention to leave ABC early next year.’
Staff received the news on Thursday via an internal email.
Mr. Anderson was permanently promoted to the role in May 2019, after serving as interim CEO since September 2018.
“I remain deeply committed to the importance of the ABC to the nation. I believe the time is right to renew leadership for the next stage of the ABC’s continued evolution,” he wrote in the email.
“Having the opportunity to serve the Australian public and lead such talented and dedicated people across the country and overseas for nearly six years is a huge honour. To have been given this opportunity after a long career at the ABC is an achievement I am proud of and for which I am incredibly grateful.
‘The relationships forged with hardworking people who share a passion for the ABC purpose and value is an experience I will always cherish.
“It has been a great honour to be part of the ABC community. We are all custodians of this great national institution that has served Australians for over 90 years.”
ABC director-general David Anderson has resigned and staff have been told he will leave the public broadcaster early next year.
Mr Anderson says he will remain in the role until a new CEO is appointed, at the request of ABC chairman Kim Williams.
Mr. Williams praised Mr. Anderson as a “loyal, dedicated and talented ABC executive.”
“David’s agreement to offer support over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition to a new CEO is welcome, generous and has been accepted,” he said.
“I have to say that my admiration for him and his commitment to ABC has not diminished and my respect for him only grows. He is an exemplary executive in many ways.”
Anderson’s departure comes after ABC News Breakfast presenter Lisa Millar announced last month that she would be stepping down.
Her departure from the network comes after she lashed out at “disgusting” internet trolls who had criticised her appearance in March last year, while also criticising media coverage of the abuse she had suffered.
He had been working at the public broadcaster since 1998.
More to come