ABC’s Chief Content Officer, Chris Oliver-Taylor, is set to depart after the demands of his role became increasingly untenable amid management changes and a loss of support from staff within the public broadcaster.
Appointed in 2023 to lead the broadcaster’s newly merged content division, Oliver-Taylor joined the ABC from Netflix where he served as Director of Production for Australia & New Zealand, and navigated a period of significant transformation for the organisation.
The experienced content leader was responsible for overseeing all content platforms across screen, audio, and digital, but following the elevation of ABC Audio in late 2024, the Chief Content Officer role will now be discontinued.
In a statement, ABC Managing Director David Anderson said:
“Chris has been outstanding in his creative approach to supporting our content teams and delivering valued programs for our audiences.”
“He took on a very challenging role, one that required someone with his experience and ability, and led our content teams through this period of change and growth.
“The ABC thanks him and wishes him well for the next stage of his career.”
In a message sent to his colleagues, Chris Oliver Taylor said:
“After recent discussions with the Managing Director and reflecting on my ongoing conversations with the ABC Board and the Chair across many months, I have decided to make a difficult decision and move on to new opportunities outside of the ABC.”
“With a new MD, a renewed Board and what I think is a very positive and hopeful future, the ABC is in great shape to continue its vital role as the pre-eminent public broadcaster in Australia.
“There is sadness in this decision but also pride and excitement with the slate that will roll out across 2025 and in future years. The ABC is a vital cultural institution that will continue to deliver world-class content.”
“I will always be a strong supporter of the ABC and public broadcasting and am deeply grateful for my time here, as well as the dedication of my ABC colleagues and the production companies that contribute to its success.”