ABC boss David Anderson gets five more years as Ita Buttrose departs

The public broadcaster announced he will be sticking around despite a major figure at the organisation’s bombshell news.

The ABC has announced they have extended the term of one of the broadcaster’s boss’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The ABC has extended the contract of managing director David Anderson by another five years.

It comes days after chairwoman Ita Buttrose made the shock announcement she would be stepping away and not be seeking reappointment.

Mr Anderson’s contract will extend to mid-2028, the ABC announced in a statement on Thursday.

ABC managing director David Anderson has had his contract extended. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

It comes as chairman Ita Buttrose announced she will not be seeking reappointment. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“Following the announcement that ABC Chair Ita Buttrose will not seek a second term and to end speculation about the tenure of ABC Managing Director David Anderson,” the broadcaster said.

“The ABC Board is pleased to confirm that David Anderson has been reappointed for a further five years effective 1 July 2023.”

Two days ago, Communications minister Michelle Rowland announced Ms Buttrose would step down as chairwoman of the public broadcaster in March 2024.

“Ms Buttrose was the right Chair for the right time,” she said.

“She navigated the public broadcaster through a challenging period that included strident political criticism, the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing transformation of the ABC so it can remain an essential part of Australian life in the digital age.”

Ms Buttrose was appointed for a five-year term in 2019 under the former Coalition government.