ABC managing director David Anderson resigns a year into second term in role

The ABC managing director, David Anderson, has resigned a year into his second five-year term after a 35-year career at the public broadcaster but will remain in the role until the new year.

Anderson told staff it was a tough decision but he believed it was time for a leadership renewal.

“I am still very much committed to the importance of the ABC to the nation,” he said.

Anderson said under his leadership over the past six years the ABC proved it could “navigate changing funding levels and achieve additional financial stability” while maintaining services.

“It is a privilege to advocate, even in the face of scrutiny and misinformation campaigns , when the value of the work undertaken by the ABC is so clear,” Anderson said.

“The commitment of so many of you to relentlessly reporting and investigating matters of public interest, without fear, and often in the face of significant pressure from those in positions of power, has been a constant inspiration. It can give a voice to those who cannot speak, hold the powerful to account, and ultimately contribute to a better society and future for the nation, well beyond our time at the ABC.”

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Anderson stepped in as acting managing director in 2018 when Michelle Guthrie was removed by the board halfway through her term and he was formally appointed to the role in 2019.

Anderson had to stabilise the organisation at a time of low staff morale after the resignation of the chair Justin Milne in the face of damaging allegations he compromised the independence of the public broadcaster. Milne denied the allegations.

He was appointed for a second term on 1 July 2023, and was supposed to be in the role until July 2028.

He said he had told the chairman, Kim Williams , of his decision to step down and had agreed to stay in the role until a new managing director had been appointed, which was likely to be in the new year.

In a note to staff, Anderson said: “When I was formally appointed managing director of the ABC in 2019, I said it is a privilege to be appointed to the role, overseeing one of Australia’s most loved and respected cultural institutions.

“Not a day has gone by since when I haven’t reflected on that privilege, and the honour of leading the ABC, advocating for the work we do and most importantly, doing my best to support all of you, the ABC’s greatest asset.”

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Williams said the ABC was a better place for Anderson’s leadership and “his commitment to the ABC is undiminished and my respect grows ever greater”.

“He is exemplary in his spirit of public service generally and in his deep abiding commitment to the corporation,” Williams said. “As he says in his note to you all, he always will remain supportive of the ABC and will continue to do whatever he can to ensure it is cherished, supported, and valued.

“It is difficult to respond appropriately in terms that properly honour the period of David’s leadership and service in so many roles at the ABC, although I think he will be treated generously in the overwhelming body of commentary about his decision.”

A former head of television, Anderson knew the business from the ground up, having started in the mailroom.

He proved to be a confident performer at Senate estimates and has been in the firing line for criticism of the ABC , largely from News Corp.

Anderson has variously been the head of television, entertainment, radio and kids in numerous roles across the decades.