ABC managing director David Anderson reappointed for another 5 years

David Anderson has been reappointed as managing director, after the public broadcaster opted to extend his contract until mid-2028.

ABC Managing Director David Anderson.

David Anderson has been reappointed as managing director of the ABC for another five years, after the public broadcaster opted to extend his contract until mid-2028.

The news follows Ita Buttrose’s announcement she will not seek reappointment as ABC chair when her term ends in March.

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

Mr Anderson was appointed by Ms Buttrose in 2019, at which time he was serving as acting managing director. Ms Buttrose’s term is set to expire on March 6, while Mr Anderson’s was due to expire on May 5.

ABC Chair Ita Buttrose.

Mr Anderson recently came under fire for axing 120 jobs as part of the ABC’s plan to target a digital-first audience. The move included the controversial redundancy of longstanding political editor Andrew Probyn.

Mr Anderson has been a staunch advocate for the ABC to embrace the digital age, backing the broadcaster’s plan to have a “digital-majority audience” by 2028.

“We have made clear our vision for the ABC to be an essential part of everyday life for all Australians through our high-quality journalism and content, wherever they may live across the country,” Mr Anderson said in June.

With the national broadcaster’s core audience skewing heavily to the over-50s demographic, the ABC faces a difficult balancing act of increasing its appeal to the “digital native” generations while not alienating its older listeners and viewers, particularly in the regions.