Australia: ABC to combine international broadcasting in one new division

Text of report by Australian Broadcasting Corporation Press Release on 7 February
The ABC will strengthen its commitment to its international broadcasting efforts under measures announced today by ABC Managing Director Mark Scott designed to maintain the ABC’s position as a leading player in Australia’s digital media. Mr Scott announced that the ABC’s International division would now include Radio Australia, Australia Network and International Projects.

“There are opportunities to improve the effectiveness of our services to Asia and the Pacific through greater collaboration and this new division will help to achieve that,” Mr Scott said. “Our aim is to both grow our own audiences; and to ensure the ABC makes a positive contribution in working with other broadcasters to develop effective media in the region. This division will build on the success of Australia Network and Radio Australia in delivering content to international audiences that builds an awareness of Australia and Australian attitudes.

“Radio Australia continues to increase its reach with a launch into India scheduled for 2007, while Australia Network reaches in excess of 12 million viewers per month, with its mix of news, current affairs, education, lifestyle, drama and sport now available in 20 million homes across Asia, Pacific and the Indian sub-continent. This division will also be accountable for the ABC’s increasing role in the delivery of support for broadcasters in the Asia-Pacific regions through specialist advice and technical assistance, mentoring and training activities. The most significant of these activities are funded by Australia’s development assistance agency, AusAID. Clear accountability for these contracts, and Australia Network contract with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will be maintained under these new arrangements.”

Mr Scott said the new division of ABC International, Corporate Strategy and Governance would also be responsible for other corporate strategy and governance support functions. “I am pleased to announce that the current Director, Corporate Strategy and Communications, Murray Green, will become Director, ABC International, Corporate Strategy and Governance,” Mr Scott said.

Mr Scott also announced that the current Chief Executive of Australia Network, Ian Carroll will become the Director, ABC Innovation. “I congratulate Ian on his efforts and welcome him into this new position. Ian is a distinguished journalist and senior ABC executive who has led Australia Network into a period of unprecedented audience growth, with the service now available in 41 countries. Ian’s background in television and news and current affairs, along with his work as the head of ABC Digital Television where he established ABC Kids and FLY, will be invaluable in this new role.”

Mr Scott said the current head of Radio Australia, Jean-Gabriel Manguy, had indicated his desire to stand down from the leadership of Radio Australia in order to take up another senior role with the corporation in the region, details of which would be advised in due course. “Jean-Gabriel has been the head of Radio Australia for ten years. During his leadership Radio Australia has been vital in strengthening the ABC as an international broadcaster, which is enjoyed by millions of listeners in six languages across Asia and the Pacific. The expansion of the service can be attributed to the single minded focus and leadership of Jean-Gabriel. I pay tribute to his efforts and wish him well in his future endeavours,” Mr Scott said.
(Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation press release, Sydney, in English 7 Feb 07 via BBC Monitoring/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)