Kim Williams named as next ABC chairman

The news: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced former News Corp executive Kim Williams as the new chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The numbers: Williams will take over from Ita Buttrose, who will finish her five-year term on 6 March. He has previously been the chief executive of News Corp Australia and was also the CEO of Foxtel for a decade.

The context: Williams is currently chairman of Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company and co-chair of the State Library of NSW Foundation board. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said he was nominated for appointment by the independent panel as part of the merit-based appointment process, and Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton was consulted on the appointment in accordance with the legislated process. “Kim is eminently qualified to provide ongoing stability and leadership to this deeply valued Australian institution,” Albanese said.