ABC’s chief content officer Chris Oliver-Taylor to leave following split of audio and screen teams

The ABC’s most senior television and video streaming executive will leave after less than two years in his position amidst a series of high-profile departures from the national broadcaster. 

Chris Oliver-Taylor, the head of the ABC’s content division, was appointed to his role by now-outgoing managing director David Anderson in March 2023, bringing together audio, including radio networks Radio National and triple j, and screen commissioning under a single division.

The former Netflix executive encountered a turbulent time at the ABC, during which he was embroiled in controversy over the sacking of fill-in broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf and saw his own division split after the arrival of new chair Kim Williams.

In October, a new structure moved responsibility for the ABC’s radio networks and other audio content into a dedicated audio division, reducing Mr Oliver-Taylor’s remit.

But in late 2023, as the executive in charge of radio, Mr Oliver-Taylor was a key player in the controversial sacking of fill-in broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf.

Announcing Mr Oliver-Taylor’s departure, Mr Anderson said: “Chris has made the decision to re-focus his efforts on other roles and I know he will continue to be an advocate for the ABC in whatever direction his career takes him in next.”

Mr Oliver-Taylor expressed “sadness” over his decision to leave.

“Over the past year, the role and responsibilities have considerably shifted, with audio now reporting directly to the MD and some digital content moved elsewhere. These changes, along with a redefined creative vision set by the board, have prompted me to reflect on the ABC’s future needs.

“After discussions with the managing director and reflecting on my ongoing conversations with the ABC board and the chair across many months, I believe this is a moment in time to allow the ABC to continue to reset its structure. 

“With a new MD, a renewed board and what I think is a very positive and hopeful future for the ABC, I have decided to make that difficult decision and move on from the ABC for new opportunities outside of the ABC.”

On announcing the new division in May 2023, Mr Anderson said it was part of “the most significant content restructure of the ABC since 2017”

Mr Williams — a former News Limited chief executive — was appointed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in March after former chair Ita Buttrose stood down at the end of her five-year term.

Following his arrival, Mr Williams spoke publicly about the important role of the ABC’s audio teams, in particular a focus on delivering a “renewed Radio National”.

In October, Mr Anderson announced the audio and screen teams brought together in the content division would be separated again, with the creation of the audio division under the new director of audio, Ben Latimer.

In announcing the change to staff, Mr Anderson said: “Now is the right time to form a separate division to ensure visibility and focus on the ABC Leadership team and to ensure we continue to meet evolving audience expectations for this significant part of the ABC.

“I would like to extend my thanks to our chief content officer Chris Oliver-Taylor and Ben Latimer who have worked hard to make the necessary changes to the audio team over the past 16 months to put it in a position to stand on its own.

“This is an important change which recognises the significance of audio to our audiences and the role it will play in the future of the ABC.”

New managing director to start in March

Mr Oliver-Taylor’s departure comes at a time of change at the top of the ABC.

Mr Anderson is preparing to hand over to his successor, former Nine chief executive Hugh Marks in March.

He has led the ABC since 2018, but announced his resignation in August, just one year into his second five-year term, months after Mr Williams began leading the ABC board.

Mr Williams heaped praise on Mr Anderson after the announcement. Both later assured staff that they had a strong working relationship and Mr Anderson’s decision to leave was entirely his own.

Mr Anderson’s announcement came a few weeks after the ABC’s director of audiences, Leisa Bacon, announced she would be leaving the national broadcaster after a decade leading its marketing and strategic audience teams.

Later in August, Ms Bacon announced Di Costantini, the head of ABC Made, the broadcaster’s internal marketing arm, had also decided to leave.

Former Nine Entertainment chief executive Hugh Marks has been appointed as the new managing director of the ABC.

In November, Kat McGuffie, manager of ABC Classic and Jazz, announced she would be leaving the ABC after more than a decade working at the networks.

Announcing the appointment of Mr Marks in December after what the ABC described as “an extensive domestic and international search”, Mr Williams said: “Hugh was a stand-out candidate, not only for his experience across every facet of the media, but for his strong track record of leading media organisations and driving substantial and sustained audience engagement.

“He is the right person to lead the ABC as we plan right now for renewal and investment.”