Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Managing Director David Anderson has announced he is stepping down from his role.
Anderson, who took on the position in 2019, is likely to remain until 2025, when a new managing director will take over.
In January, unionised ABC staff passed a vote of no confidence in Anderson for “failing to defend the integrity of the ABC and its staff from outside attacks.”
The claim was rejected by the ABC board, who passed a unanimous vote of confidence in his leadership.
Prior to his appointment in May 2019, Anderson held the position of director of entertainment. In August 2023, the ABC renewed Anderson’s contract for five years.
Anderson penned an email to staff explaining how he came to the decision.
“I believe it is the right moment for leadership renewal for the next stage of the ABC’s continued evolution.
“To have the opportunity to serve the Australian public and lead such talented and dedicated people across the country, and overseas, for what is approaching six years is humbling.
“It has been an absolute honour to be part of the ABC community. We are all custodians of this great national institution that has served Australians for over 90 years.”
Anderson led the broadcaster through the pandemic, the high-profile resignation of Stan Grant who alleged a lack of support, contentious comments by political correspondent Laura Tingle, and also criticism of the ABC’s coverage of the Israel-Hamas War.
Current Chair Kim Williams will likely decide the new managing director.
Williams, a former News Limited chief executive who took over from Ita Buttrose in March, spoke about Anderson following the announcement, saying he held great respect for him.
“I have observed to my ABC board colleagues that my admiration for David and his commitment to the ABC is undiminished and my respect grows ever greater,” he said.
“He is exemplary in his spirit of public service generally and in his deep abiding commitment to the corporation.”
Williams’ sentiments were echoed by that of ABC News Director Justin Stevens, who said Anderson had been appointed at a time of disruption at the broadcaster, bringing a sense of calm and putting the organisation on an even keel.
Anderson has spent more than 30 years in the television broadcast industry, first working for the ABC in 1989.
