Michelle Guthrie: ABC managing director sacked by board

Michelle Guthrie has been sacked just two and a half years into her five-year term as the ABC’s managing director, effective immediately.

The ABC board said the former managing director had already left and it was “in the long-term interests” of the ABC, and the head of television, David Anderson, was now acting managing director.

“The decision follows discussions over several months that concluded when directors resolved that it was not in the best interests of the ABC for Ms Guthrie to continue to lead the organisation,” the board said in a statement.

A formal process to find a new managing director has already begun.

The ABC chairman, Justin Milne, said the board believed that new leadership would benefit the organisation, its employees 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,” Milne said. “This decision has been driven by our commitment to deliver the best possible outcomes for our loyal audiences and the best possible experience for our own people.

“We understand that transitions can be disruptive in the short term. However, the ABC is fortunate to have an experienced and capable executive team that will provide continuity in the months ahead.

“The board wishes to thank Michelle for her contribution to the ABC. We are very grateful for all her hard work.”

The acting managing director is a veteran ABC employee who worked his way up from the mailroom.

“I recognise the challenges involved in transitions of this kind but I am honoured to accept the board’s invitation and look forward to working with our outstanding people to execute our strategy,” Anderson said.

In an email to staff, Milne said the decision had been taken by the board after months of discussion with Guthrie.

“I am meeting with the leadership team, some of whom are overseas, to explain today’s news,” he said. “They enjoy the strong support of the board, and a change in leadership does not mean a change in strategy.”

Milne thanked staff for their dedication and professionalism “including over recent years when our work as a publicly funded broadcaster has been highly scrutinised. Your work as part of an outstanding team contributes so much to the nation and the lives of millions of Australians.”

The communications minister, Mitch Fifield, thanked Guthrie and said he “acknowledges her service in what is a challenging and rapidly changing media environment”.

A TV producer at the broadcaster said there was a great deal of relief among staff. “And there has been some cheering,” she said.

Guthrie was the highest paid managing director in the ABC’s history and was earning close to $1m a year. Sources said it was likely she was paid out her full contract, which would be $2.5m, but this is unconfirmed.