Government announces Ita Buttrose as ABC chair

Is that really the best Australia can do?

Nothing at all against Ita (I actually think she might be good for the role), but that this decision has been made politically, and largely to make a political point about women for the coalition, is disgusting.

The process needs changing. It needs to be on merit, and it needs to be politically neutral.

Morrison Buttrose was an outstanding candidate to steer the ABC as chair: “Ita is an extraordinary Australian who will bring decades of media and management experience to the ABC. I can think of no-one better to lead the national broadcaster.”

Typo

What exactly is your problem with appointing a chairperson who has nearly 50 years experience in the Australian media landscape as a journalist, commentator, and influencer who is passionate about our country, its people and stories.
Would you have preferred some merchant banking board professional, former politician or academic? The fact that Hywood was even considered after systematically destroying Fairfax, Australia’s most influential media company for the last 176 years is an insult to every Australian who pays taxes to keep the ABC running.

I think this is very good news. Ita Buttrose should have been in this seat much earlier, but now is just fine. Ms. Buttrose is one of the most experienced media women in Australia, perhaps the most experienced. I wish her every success and long may she reign.

It just may be. I can’t suggest anyone better, can you?

Totally agree.

…Michael Ebeid.
Looks like the Eastern suburbs cheer squad is full cry…

It never occurred to me she was appointed because she is a woman. I assumed it was because of her obvious media experience and ability and because she connects strongly with the values of middle Australia. Duh !

hear hear!!!

“only the second woman to chair” – Welcome to 2019, ABC and enormous congratulations to Ita.

Ita is no doubt a fine choice, and since she’s been accepted the government will abandon all normal practices for appointments and just let Snotty choose in future. Look through the cloud of Chanel people this is not about Ita it’s about subverting democratic process.

I find it strange the government abandoned their own process for Morrison to make his own decision. That makes the process entirely political and even if she is the best candidate this ensures she will always have that hanging over her tenure.

Also it seems to me the challenges of the ABC are three fold. Renewal, digital/product development and holding he government at bay. I’m not sure Ita has much to contribute here. Surely they could have found someone with a more digital background.

geez Anon, get your FFX history straight – Hywood was picking up the pieces of a Fairfax destroyed by Prof Fred Hilmer, the ex-McKinseyite CEO who coined the notorious “content maker” phrase but failed to capitalise on the opportunities provided by the Rivers of Gold, which were easily diverted by Seek and realestate.com.au

Groucho, I fear your prejudices are showing, and with all due respect for your right to an opinion, I don’t think it’s a very well informed opinion.

P.S. Forget the Chanel, the people who agree with this, are more likely to be looking through a cloud of Yardley and Old Spice.

8+ years (2010-2018) is a long time to be picking up the pieces of a predecessor who had ceased being the CEO (1998-2005) over 5 years prior to his appointment.

No-one has really justified this decision.
A political appointment with no TV experience.
This place is looking more corrupt every day.
Back to your pilates, cheer squad.

Richard how generous of you to grant me, and I assume others, to a right to an opinion. Particularly if it differs from yours. However for yours to be worth anything you probably need to actually back it up rather than just stating mine is “ not very well informed “. Morrison’s appointment is an abuse of process, a point noted by many commentators who have actually earned the right to have an opinion.

A sound choice. Best of luck Ita x

Hiring the person most associated with trashy women’s mags as the head of the ABC is like hiring the coalition to look after the great barrier reef, refuges or even the elderly.

I’m out.

Sorry, Groucho,
I must have missed your “back up” to [quote] “this is not about Ita it’s about subverting democratic process” [unquote] and also [quote] “government will abandon all normal practices for appointments and just let Snotty choose in future” [unquote]

I can understand you wanting to begin your reply by taking a swipe at me, but I did not “grant” you anything, I simply paid respect to your absolute right to an opinion.

Hopefully she will be able to return it to our ABC not some terrible Bclass station as my dad called the commercial stations.
No adverts, station Id’s screaming sports commentators day and night.
Give us unbiased news , information, and great coverage , like now, if a disaster is happening.

Every day and every night, She’s the only one we can depend upon in running the ABC competently.

She’ll drain the Cultural Marxist swamp that was once a free and fair servant of Australian viewers and listeners.

It’s fabulous also seeing someone get a top job like this aged 77. When many organisations are reluctant to recruit anybody over 45.