‘Hold on to your hats’: Kim Williams’ appointment won’t stop changes at ABC

On a new episode of the Mumbrellacast, editor Neil Griffiths and publisher Adam Lang dissected Wednesday’s news that former News Corp CEO Kim Williams will take over as ABC chair.

Williams, who has also previously worked as CEO of Foxtel, and chair of the Sydney Opera House Trust and the Australian Film Commission, will take over from Ita Buttrose who wraps up her five-year term on March 6.

Given his extensive experience in news media, and the current volatility at the public broadcaster – which includes an ongoing Fair Work Commission hearing with Antoinette Lattouf, claims of staff unrest, and music industry stalwart Richard Kingsmill being let go from triple j – it’s fair to suggest the ABC needs some stability. However, according to Lang, he believes more big changes will come under Williams’ watch.

“Change has been happening and no doubt that will continue,” Lang said.