ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie in shock departure
Michelle Guthrie, the ABC’s managing director, has been fired by the organisation’s board.
Guthrie first joined the ABC in December 2015, from Google Asia, where she was managing director of agencies.
This morning the ABC Board announced Guthrie, who was two and a half years into her five year term, would no longer lead the business, citing it was “not in the best interests” of the national broadcaster.
cue Murdoch Derangement Theory hysterics…
What does a Google figurehead know about content or publishing?
Good.
Not only did she not defend the ABC from attacks, she appeared to have zero understanding of the role of a public broadcaster.
It’s also the perfect demonstration of why these technology zealots / Google-types are poorly prepared for leadership roles outside of their narrow domain.
You can’t automate or re-platform your way to every solution. You need to be both politically savvy and understand empathy. Which are two qualities notably absent from almost all tech leaders in the world.
Next!
Google glow wore off pretty quickly with this one.
Clearly out of her depth from day one.
Theories aside. Coincidence is coincidence.
Should have been sacked 12 months ago
Interesting that, in all the stories I’ve seen about Michelle Guthrie getting the flick, the words “Radio” or “Television” are barely mentioned. From what I read she has had no actual broadcasting experience. She worked for Google in Singapore. Last I looked the ABC is a broadcasting organisation. So how was she expected to run that? Not that her predecessors were any better.
Maybe Michelle Guthrie was too left wing – LOL
Just to help contributors to this discussion who aren’t sure who to blame for the sacking here’s some suggestions to make it easier for you…1. Rupert Murdoch 2. The Liberal Party. 3 Red Symons. 4 Tony Abbott. 5 Donald Trump. 6 Global Warming. You’re welcome.
Justine Milne as chairman would have overseen this. Wonder what he wants??
Exactly what I was going to type. Tech companies are not known for producing leaders who can communicate and advocate.
Ian, You forgot to include Dr Who and the Daleks “Exterminate, exterminate”.