Music industry reacts to sacking of ABC boss Michelle Guthrie
The decision to terminate the employment of ABC Managing Director Michelle Guthrie was handed down this morning.
ABC Chairman Justin Milne said the Board believed it was not in the best interests of the ABC for Guthrie to continue in the head role and that new leadership would benefit the company and the ABC’s audiences.
“In resolving to seek fresh leadership, the Board’s foremost consideration was the long-term interests of our own people and the millions of Australians who engage with ABC content every week,” Justin Milne said.
David Anderson, ABC director, entertainment & specialist, has been invited by the Board to serve as acting managing director until the role is filled.
Until then, we imagine the Twittersphere will continue the current string of witticisms that are now filling music industry feeds. Like this:
As the new ABC MD, I’m thrilled to announce we’re renewing @Tonightly
— Ti Butler?? (@tibutler) September 24, 2018
Clearly leading the ABC requires “a fresh approach”
— Ti Butler?? (@tibutler) September 24, 2018
Maybe this time the ABC will find an MD who doesn’t hate everything that public broadcasting services represent.
— Jesse (@MrJesseRoss) September 24, 2018
So…. both Public Broadcasters are currently on the hunt for new MD’s. get yo LinkedIn sorted people. #Guthrie
— Marc Fennell (@MarcFennell) September 24, 2018
I HEARBY ANNOUNCE MY CANDIDACY FOR ABC MANAGING DIRECTOR
— Tom Ballard (@TomCBallard) September 23, 2018
My top five picks for ABC MD:
?Mr. Squiggle – Got runs on the board, can deal with grumps at estimates time.
?B2 – Relaxed dress code.
?Hootablelle – Knows how to pull the strings.
?Annabel Crabb – Smart operator, plus already sleeps there.
?Helen Bidou – A Fresh Approach.— Dan Ilić (@danilic) September 24, 2018
Here was I waiting for Rupert to sack Karl…..then pow…he ices Guthrie….
— Dan Ilić (@danilic) September 24, 2018
I suppose @LeeLinChin as new ABC chief exec is too much to ask for?
— Paul Syvret (@PSyvret) September 24, 2018
I will be applying for the ABC managing director job. If successful I will seek revenge on all within the ABC who have wronged me, plus get Tony Martin to do sarcastic voiceovers during Q&A https://t.co/B2obimfVsu
— ???? ?????? (@JohnSafran) September 24, 2018
Very honoured and excited to announce that my entire Twitter timeline is full of people very honoured and excited to announce they are the new MD of the ABC, and wow what wacky ideas they’ve got in store for us all.
— Lindsay McDowens (@doctormcdougall) September 24, 2018
Just been handed the decision about the new MD of the ABC.
It’s…
It’s…Oh my god. pic.twitter.com/OFaNOrZVdK
— David James Young (@DJYwrites) September 24, 2018
While it’s nice to see so many people invested in the succession plan of the entertainment industry staple, the announcement does leave us with a few questions; like why did the Board feel the public should not be told the reason behind its decision to remove Guthrie? And why did The Australian break the news, thus insinuating the ABC’s employees weren’t among the first o know?
More to come.
This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.
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