★★★★★ 0/5

Richard Finlayson resigns as ABC Director of TV

"Time to move on." ABC exec resigns after 3 years in the role.

3
Leave a comment

ABC executive Richard Finlayson has resigned after three years as Director of TV.

In a statement released he said:

I have decided that after more than three very satisfying and rewarding years as Director of ABC TV, it is time to move on to the next stage of my career.

After a short break at Christmas I indicated to the Managing Director, Michelle Guthrie, that as I finalise my next venture we should begin arrangements for my departure.

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve our audiences and work with the best talent in the industry. I am very confident I leave the business well positioned to succeed.

We have an outstanding slate of original programs across every genre that has won unprecedented recognition and is attracting major international interest. I am very proud of distinctive and quality programs like The Secret River, The Code and Cleverman that have gone to air during my time as Director.

Amid fierce competition, iview remains the number one TV VOD service in the country with more than 50 hours of brilliant, original shows as well two new Kids apps that are already loved by children and parents.

We have learned how to make valuable funds go further and have made tough decisions that are the seeds of future success within an industry that is undergoing rapid change.

Most of all, I’m proud of the incredible team in ABC TV that we have recruited, nurtured and developed. I know that the future of ABC TV and the national broadcaster is in highly capable hands.

I will be assisting Michelle on transition arrangements through to the end of March.

Richard Finlayson
ABC Director Television

3 Responses

  1. Would Richard Finlaysons highlights include closing ABC’s Adelaide’s, Perth’s, Hobart’s or Brisbane’s Production units. Or would his biggest achievement be closing the Outside Broadcast departments in SA, WA, Tas and QLD. No television production nor sporting coverage now come out of the largests states.

  2. I hate being this person, but if you added the overnight figures for two out of the three dramas he’s quoted being proud of, they would still be well short of the overnight for something like Rake or Doctor Blake.

Leave a Reply