Veteran broadcaster and magazine editor Ita Buttrose will next year step down as chair of the ABC after five years in the role.
Buttrose has told the federal government she will not seek a second stint as the head of the public broadcaster when her term comes to an end in March 2024.
The government will soon begin the search for Buttrose’s replacement, with selection to be carried out by an independent panel.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said Buttrose had shown outstanding leadership at the broadcaster during her tenure.
“Ms Buttrose was the right chair for the right time. Ms Buttrose is a giant of Australia’s media industry and the government thanks her for her exemplary service,” the minister said.
“She has much to do in the remainder of her term and will leave the ABC stronger than when she was entrusted with the role in 2019.”
The now-81-year-old former magazine editor and TV host was appointed to the position by former prime minister Scott Morrison.
It followed the resignation of previous chair Justin Milne, following a fallout from the sacking of former managing director Michelle Guthrie and allegations he interfered with the broadcaster’s editorial independence.
Ms Rowland said the government respected Buttrose’s decision to step down.
“Ms Buttrose is a formidable corporate leader who has served with distinction, speaking truth to power and upholding governance standards to protect independent public broadcasting,” she said.
“She navigated the public broadcaster through a challenging period that included strident political criticism, the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing transformation of the ABC so it can remain an essential part of Australian life in the digital age.”
Bye bye Ita, thanks for your strident support for all ABC staff such as Stan Grant (NOT!), don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
Micallef come BACK
The damage that the conservatives/neocons whatever they are called , have heaped upon the public service, its ability to serve the public have left very deep holes in Australia’s general well being. Its impossible to tell how much damage was wrought by Ita personally.
Scrapping Shaun Micallef was a bridge too far
apparently, which is puzzling considering everything else that has happened.
I’m going to delude myself that Ita had a hand in that , after all there is a song about her.
get rid of the whole neo lib news on our ABC too
Bring back Jon Faine – get rid of the Netflix dumbed down boys club neo libs and bad tick the box newbie journos in some cases age is over rated to identify smartz or insight – why the ponsi journalists without gravitas – Some are great most arent
Dreadful Chairperson. Executed zero leadership and will leave the ABC in a worse position than when so she took the position.