Australian media executive Steve Ahern has been appointed manager of ABC Radio Sydney.
Ahern has been acting in the role since October 2022, having joined the ABC from the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union in Kuala Lumpur where he was director of the ABU Media Academy.
Best known in Australia as the founder of radio industry publication Radio Info, Ahern told Mediaweek his family business will continue to own Radio Info and sister publication Radio Today. However, Ahern told us: “I will take a step back and stay at arm’s length while I do this ABC job.”
The publishing company also owns Asia’s only radio industry news and jobs site www.radioinfo.asia, and Africa’s newest radio industry news and job site www.radioinfo.africa.
Ahern’s international career took him to many countries in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, where he founded the Nai Media Institute in Afghanistan, delivered training in mobile journalism and radio skills for Eye Media in South Sudan, and consulted to television and digital news companies in Liberia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Previously the director of radio at AFTRS, Ahern also worked for the ABC in his early career as a producer, presenter, reporter and manager in Newcastle, Canberra and Melbourne. He also held jobs in teaching and international diplomacy.
New ABC Radio Sydney manager Steve Ahern
Ahern said about his new role: “In working across the world I have witnessed first-hand the important role a strong national broadcaster plays in a healthy society. I am delighted to be able to return to one of the world’s best public broadcasters in this role.
“The team at ABC Radio Sydney are at the top of their game and every day they produce high-quality content that connects with this city and keeps Sydney siders in touch with what’s going on. I am excited to join such an amazing team of broadcasters.”
Head of the ABC’s Capital City Network Warwick Tiernan said: “Steve is one of the most experienced and most knowledgeable media executives in the country. He has a proven track record of getting the very best out of broadcasters and producers. We’re incredibly fortunate to have his skills back in the ABC, leading the talent-packed team at ABC Radio Sydney.”