Foxtel exec fills vacant unscripted role at ABC

A senior Foxtel executive has taken over non-scripted production at the ABC in Australia.

Josie Mason-Campbell (pictured) has been hired as head of non-scripted, in effect taking over the role Brendan Dahill vacated when he joined Keo Films’ Aussie arm.

The post puts her in control of ABC TV’s factual, entertainment, arts and events slate.

She will report to the ABC’s director of television, a role that Richard Finlayson will soon vacate after announcing his resignation last month.

At Australian pay TV giant Foxtel, Mason-Campbell was head of production and development. There she worked up series such as Gogglebox Australia, The Great Australian Bake-Off and Coast Australia, and the upcoming Unchartered with Sam Neill, Local Justice and Lawless.

Her hire comes at a time of upheaval at the ABC, which has seen the exit of a string of high-ranking executives following the appointment of former Google Asia Pacific and Star TV chief Michelle Guthrie.

“Josie is a natural creative leader, who has thrived in the industry,” said Guthrie, who is also a former Foxtel and News International exec. “We are looking forward to her helping the ABC create more great Australian shows that resonate with a broad audience.”

The outgoing Finlayson said Mason-Campbell’s “experience in managing a network portfolio as well as deep, hands-on production skills will equip her well for helping shape the ABC slate for the future”.