ABC’s head of drama Sally Riley steps down as head of drama, entertainment & indigenous

Sally Riley

Australian scripted exec Sally Riley is stepping down as the ABC’s head of drama, entertainment & indigenous after more than a decade with the broadcaster.

Riley joined the ABC in 2010 as its first head of the indigenous department at ABC Television and went on to work on series such as film Mabo and series Redfern Now, the first TV drama commissioned, written, acted and produced by Indigenous Australians.

She was appointed head of scripted production in 2016 and commissioned show ranging from Stateless, Fires and Preppers to Cleverman, Mystery Road and The Newsreader.

Riley will leave in July, with a succesor being sought. Her next move is not yet known but she said she now wants “to focus on new creative opportunities”.

ABC chief David Anderson said: “Sally has not just been responsible for developing and producing an impressive body of screen productions but has also fostered and supported key talent at all stages of the creative process.

“Sally’s passion and creative drive have delivered to our screens many of the stories and programs Australians love and expect of their public broadcaster. I’m sure everyone at the ABC will join me in congratulating her for her achievements and in looking forward to the projects Sally will deliver next.”

Riley added: “During my time here I have been supported to commission ground-breaking shows and take risks that I’m not sure would happen anywhere else. I have had the honour to work with the best creatives and executives in Australia and the world.

“I’m also proud of the work that the Bonner Committee has done in increasing the profile of First Nations people and content, both inside and outside the organisation. I’m confident this work will continue from strength to strength with a new generation of incredible people.”