Roberta Allan (ABC’s Head of Programming, Acquisitions and Streaming)

In this episode, Aaron sits down with one of the key figures behind the ABC’s programming success — Roberta Allan, Head of Programming, Acquisitions and Streaming.

With a strong start to 2025 already under its belt — including hits like The Newsreader, The Piano, and the upcoming return of Bay of Fires — the ABC is in full stride, and Roberta is right at the centre of it all.

She oversees the content strategy for ABC iview and all broadcast channels, playing a critical role in acquisitions, programming, and commissioning. Roberta is also a friend of the podcast, and we’re thrilled to welcome her back.

In this jam-packed conversation, Aaron and Roberta cover:

• The ABC’s strong start to the year, including The Newsreader, Muster Dogs, and The Role of a Lifetime
• Sunday nights as a strategic focus for major programming
• The ongoing importance of legacy programs like Australian Story, Four Corners, and Media Watch
• Behind the scenes of The Piano and how the ABC landed Harry Connick Jr.
• The unique tone of Bay of Fires and why it resonated with audiences
• Why Father Brown moved to an earlier Saturday timeslot
• What’s coming in Q3 across drama, factual, entertainment, and kids’ content
• How ABC balances iview streaming success with traditional TV ratings
• A look ahead to Q4’s big titles including The Assembly, Austin, Portrait Artist of the Year, and I Was Actually There
• The role of data in programming strategy — without commercial pressures
• How international co-productions are helping tell Australian stories globally
• The future of ABC Kids and what's next for children's programming
• Ensuring diversity on-screen and behind the scenes
• How ABC measures audience satisfaction beyond ratings
• Viewer surprises — which shows outperformed expectations
• What new iview exclusives are around the corner

It’s an insightful look at the evolving world of public broadcasting, programming trends, and what makes ABC content tick in 2025.

For all the latest TV news, streaming updates, cinema reviews, ratings, and podcasts, head over to tvcentral.com.au.

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