ABC has secured one of commercial radio’s most successful production and programming talents, Ben Latimer, as its new head of audio content.
Latimer will oversee ABC Capital City Networks, Sport, Audio Studios, Audio Strategy, Radio National, Music Networks including triple j, Double J, triple j Unearthed, ABC Jazz, ABC Country and ABC Classic.
He takes up the newly created position with the ABC Content division on July 31, reporting to the ABC’s Chief Content Officer, Chris Oliver-Taylor.
“Being appointed to such a vital role within the national broadcaster is truly an honour and I am acutely aware of the challenges that come with this new responsibility,” Latimer said.
“I look forward to leading our exceptional ABC Audio and Radio teams to continue what they do best: creating captivating content that is distinct, high-quality and reflects the essence of Australia.
“While the speed and breadth of changes in the audio landscape are profound, I hold an unwavering optimism for the future and the distinctive role that the ABC will play.”
Chris Oliver-Taylor said: “The ABC delivers the most comprehensive radio and on-demand audio offering of any media organisation in Australia. It is complex, broad, and vital for all Australians across this vast continent. I am delighted that Ben has decided to join the ABC and take on that challenge.”
Latimer joins other recent content division appointments – Rachel Okine from Stan as Head of Scripted, and Susie Jones from Netflix, as Head of Factual.
The radio arm of the public broadcaster revealed the appointment today. Earlier this year Latimer departed Nova Entertainment where he had several roles and was most recently joint head of programming.
Before Latimer departed on a long Easter holiday break, Nova farewelled him with:
After nearly six years with the company, Ben Latimer is departing from his role as Head of Programming, Nova 96.9, Nova 919 and National Shows.
Ben initially joined us as Network Program Director for Smooth FM. Throughout his tenure, he took on various leadership positions within programming across Nova in nearly every market. Most notably, Ben played a pivotal role in guiding Ben & Liam and Nova Adelaide to great success.
We thank Ben for all his achievements as he leaves an exceptionally talented on and off-air team in place and wish him well for the future.
In 2017 Latimer first joined Nova Entertainment as smoothfm network program director as the Sydney and Melbourne stations were establishing themselves as major FM forces in Australia’s biggest radio markets.
Prior to Nova, Latimer spent five years with Foxtel as program director of the music channels, later moving to a role looking after on-demand content.
Latimer started his career at ARN working initially on Adelaide news/talk station 5DN before moving to FM where Latimer was content director at Mix 102.3 where he helped launch Kym, Ali & Dzelde. Too valuable to remain in Adelaide, ARN whisked him away to Sydney where Latimer was EP of WSFM’s hit breakfast show Jonesy and Amanda for five years.
See also: Radio bombshell – Ben Latimer out at Nova, where next for radio and TV exec?