ABC Classic & ABC Jazz content manager Toby Chadd departs

The national broadcaster is on the hunt for a new content manager for its ABC Classic and ABC Jazz brands, with Toby Chadd finishing up at the end of the month.

Chadd joined the ABC in 2013 as label manager for ABC Classics and Jazz. In 2018, he added content manager for ABC Classic FM to his remit.

The ABC said Chadd is leaving on a high, with ABC Classic having achieved its strongest audience reach figures on record. His tenure has also included the launch of the annual Festival of Female Composers, the ABC Jazz Artist in Residence program, and last year’s national Classic Choir, which went ahead amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This month, ABC Classic and ABC Jazz also launched a composer commissioning fund to champion under-represented voices.

Chadd’s next venture is being the director of artistic planning with the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

He said it had been a privilege to work with the ABC’s classical and jazz teams over the past eight years.

“Every day I’ve been reminded about how important music is in all our lives, as we hear from audiences about the solace, inspiration and stimulation that our networks bring them and see record numbers tuning in,” he said.

“ABC Classic and ABC Jazz occupy a unique position in the Australian landscape, enjoying collaborations with a whole host of astonishing musicians – broadcasting their live performances to a national and international audience and building new projects that develop our culture and nurture future voices and audiences.”

He also noted the unique power of radio.

“In an increasingly fragmented media world, the unique power of radio to reach into our lives, combined with the cultural remit of a public broadcaster, has never been so important. The ABC’s broadcasters, technicians and producers are world-beating and working with them is a thrill that I will miss dearly. But I’m looking forward to listening and watching as they continue to connect us with the world’s greatest music.”

Chris Scaddan, ABC’s head of music & creative development, said ABC Classic and ABC Jazz are both stronger than ever thanks to Chadd’s leadership and the continued work of the whole team.

“We saw this especially in 2020, when record audiences turned to ABC Classic for companionship and fine music to help them through the pandemic,” he said.

“We’re really going to miss Toby’s creative spirit and endless enthusiasm for the content and the team. He’s been an inspiration and we wish him all the best for his new role with the ACO.”

ABC broadcaster Joe Gelonesi will act as Content Manager for ABC Classic and ABC Jazz while a permanent replacement is found.