Kim Williams has been confirmed as the new chair of the ABC. Outgoing chair Ita Buttrose will step down from the role in March.
Williams was formerly chief executive of News Limited — the corporation now known as News Corp.
The role of ABC chair includes ensuring the national broadcaster maintains standards of independence and accuracy.
In announcing Williams’ new position, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commended the “breadth of his experience” and his “intellect [and] insatiable curiosity”.
Kim Williams
Williams ran Foxtel for a decade before he became News Limited’s CEO in 2011.
He’s also headed a range of cultural, arts and sporting bodies throughout his career. This includes being chair of the Sydney Opera House Trust, and one of the commissioners of the AFL.
Williams’ contribution to the arts was recognised in 2006 when he was made a Member of the Order of Australia.
Chair of the ABC
The ABC chair oversees the national broadcaster’s nine-member board. They are charged with maintaining the “independence and integrity” of the ABC and ensuring it delivers news in an “accurate and impartial” way to its audience.
Williams will replace Ita Buttrose when she steps down on 6 March.
The ABC is currently embroiled in an unlawful dismissal claim over its sacking of journalist Antoinette Lattouf, which she alleges was based on her “political opinion and race”.
Reflecting on his new position, Williams said it was a “solemn responsibility” with a “refreshingly broad” scope, including promoting innovation at the broadcaster.
