Following on from last week’s revelation in The Australian that Jay Hunt from the UK’s BBC was now favourite to be appointed as Mark Scott’s replacement at the ABC comes news that two local frontrunners – Kim Williams (pictured) and SBS’ Michael Ebeid – are out of contention.
Fairfax Media has reported that former News boss Kim Williams is seen as too much of a divisive figure among the ABC board and he is no longer being considered for the role. Williams has also openly criticised the public broadcaster in the past for begin self-congratulatory and not breaking quality news. While Fairfax is reporting that Ebeid was never considered a strong candidate.
Jay Hunt – an ex-pat Aussie – now appears the favourite for the position and will be helped that many on the board want a woman at the helm.
In further good news for whomever is successful – with a decision expected before Christmas – Fairfax is also reporting that the successful candidate will take home a 40 per cent increase in salary from the present offering of $825,000 per annum. The increase is expected to be approved by the Remuneration Tribunal and is reportedly in line with similar roles globally.
