ABC content boss Courtney Gibson quits for programme maker Southern Star

The ABC boss whose deputy took the fall for The Chaser’s controversial Make A Realistic Wish sketch is quitting the broadcaster to work for the TV production giant behind the likes of Deal Or No Deal and  Big Brother.  

Courtney Gibson, ABC TV’s executive head of content creation, will become director of programmes at Southern Star Entertainment after leaving the ABC in October.

Gibson came under the spotlight after the Chaser row when it was revealed that although Amanda Duthie, the ABC’s then head of arts, entertainment and comedy took responsibility, Gibson had also received the tape of the controversial Chaser sketch although she did not watch it.

Gibson’s new job comes at a time when the TV production sector is set to become increasingly comeptitive with Elisabeth Murdoch’s Shine due to launch shortly and Fremantle Media on the up following the success of Masterchef for Ten.