Free TV CEO Julie Flynn will retire from the business after 15 years in the top role. During her time at the organisation, Flynn oversaw the smooth transition from analogue to digital television.
She has also led Free TV efforts to ensure more commercially viable licence fees, maintain sporting events free on TV and the developments of better codes of practice.
Free TV chairman Harold Mitchell says Flynn has also done a stellar job in developing marketing efforts for commercial television. Previously, Flynn penned opinion pieces for AdNews defending the industry, including hitting back at "overstated" SVOD research.
“Julie has done a lot to improve recognition of the continuing value of commercial television to advertisers as well as the public,” Mitchell says.
“Her articulate and passionate representation of the industry has ensured that the value of free-to-air television services to all Australians has been front and centre of the public policy debate.”
Flynn joined the organisation in February 2001 after 25 years in journalism at the ABC and commercial broadcasters. She is a Walkley Award winner and former president of the Canberra Press Gallery.
“The last 15 years has been an extraordinary privilege and a pleasure and I am extremely proud of all that we have been able to achieve over that time,” Flynn says.
"Free TV is a great organisation in an industry that continues to be at the centre of Australian life.”
Ten Network CEO, Paul Anderson, added that Flynn has been the voice of commercial free-to-air television and has made a significant contribution to the industry and the media sector in general.
"Julie has led Free TV Australia through a period of immense change for the industry including the transition to digital television," he says.
"Her passion for the sector and her commitment to ensuring Australians continue to receive the best free-to-air service in the world has made her an incredibly effective and valuable advocate for the industry. We will miss her contribution to our industry and wish her all the best for her future endeavours."
In December, AdNews reported that high level discussions were underway between FTA TV players as well as subscription TV, with regard to forming a new, more inclusive TV body – similar to the UK's Thinkbox.
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