Audiences are drowning for choice in the new digital era. New technology has revolutionised production – anyone with a smartphone can become a media producer – and given consumers access to information anywhere, anytime.
But in this cluttered marketplace, it has become difficult to stand out amid the noise. The political and media environments are becoming more fractious as shrill voices clamour for attention and the ability to set agendas. The so-called legacy platforms still retain power and influence. Critics claim there is no place for a national broadcaster in this modern space.
Mark Scott, in the final 12 months of his decade-long stint at the head of the ABC, argues strongly that the reverse is true: never has the national broadcaster been more important. To flourish in this new environment you need trust, vision, dexterity and accountability, and the ABC delivers on all counts.
Featuring
Mark Scott
Mark Scott is Managing Director of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Under his leadership, the structure and operation of the ABC has been transformed and the ABC’s services and reach have been dramatically expanded.
Before joining the ABC, Mr Scott served 12 years in a variety of editorial and executive positions with Fairfax Media, including as Editorial Director of the Fairfax newspaper and magazine division and Editor-in-Chief of Metropolitan, Regional and Community newspapers. He holds a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma in Education, and Master of Arts from the University of Sydney and a Masters degree in Public Administration from Harvard University.