Anita Jacoby.
Women in Media has appointed Anita Jacoby chair and Bridget Fair deputy chair, each for a three-year term.
The moves come as founding member and former co-chair Victoria Laurie is stepping away after nearly two decades.
With a career spanning more than 35 years, Jacoby was formerly MD of ITV Studios, and from 2013-23, she was an associate member of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
She is chair of the ABC Advisory Council, a board member of Public Interest Journalism Initiative (PIJI), Documentary Australia and the UK Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation. She has also been a non-executive director of ITV Studios Australia, Chief Executive Women, the Australian Film Institute/AACTA, Arts Law Centre of Australia and Headspace.
Fair is the CEO of Free TV Australia, having previously held several senior roles with Seven West Media responsible for corporate affairs, government relations and business strategy. She has also worked with the ABC and SBS, and in private legal practice.
She is a current board director for Women in Media and served as the former chairman of Screenrights. She has also held positions as a non-executive director of iSelect and a director of OzTAM, Freeview and Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism & Ideas.
Jacoby said the mission to empower women and drive gender equality has never been more critical.
"Through our innovative industry programs, we aim to elevate women’s leadership and amplify their voices across the industry," she said.
“On behalf of the Board, I acknowledge Victoria’s outstanding leadership and fortitude in building Women in Media into the organisation it is today. With more than 6,700 subscribers, her contributions have greatly strengthened Australia’s media landscape.”
Laurie said she is thrilled that the powerful leadership team of Jacoby and Fair, and the board members, will create new opportunities for this important community of women.
"Since the very beginning, our mission has been to empower and advocate for women across the broad landscape
of Australia’s media sector," she said.
"This remains a source of inspiration and passion that I will continue to support.”
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