{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/62a9df5d445c110012662d03/684418c8a13d337373c1d200?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Roberta Allan (ABC’s Head of Programming, Acquisitions and Streaming)","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/62a9df5d445c110012662d03/1749292654858-8d49a8e9-c6e2-4261-a861-7dae3c7bd499.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this episode, Aaron sits down with one of the key figures behind the ABC’s programming success — <strong>Roberta Allan</strong>, Head of Programming, Acquisitions and Streaming. </p><p><br></p><p>With a strong start to 2025 already under its belt — including hits like <em>The Newsreader</em>, <em>The Piano</em>, and the upcoming return of <em>Bay of Fires</em> — the ABC is in full stride, and Roberta is right at the centre of it all.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>In this jam-packed conversation, Aaron and Roberta cover:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>The ABC’s strong start to the year, including <em>The Newsreader</em>, <em>Muster Dogs</em>, and <em>The Role of a Lifetime</em></li><li>Sunday nights as a strategic focus for major programming</li><li>The ongoing importance of legacy programs like <em>Australian Story</em>, <em>Four Corners</em>, and <em>Media Watch</em></li><li>Behind the scenes of <em>The Piano</em> and how the ABC landed Harry Connick Jr.</li><li>The unique tone of <em>Bay of Fires</em> and why it resonated with audiences</li><li>Why <em>Father Brown</em> moved to an earlier Saturday timeslot</li><li>What’s coming in Q3 across drama, factual, entertainment, and kids’ content</li><li>How ABC balances iview streaming success with traditional TV ratings</li><li>A look ahead to Q4’s big titles including <em>The Assembly</em>, <em>Austin</em>, <em>Portrait Artist of the Year</em>, and <em>I Was Actually There</em></li><li>The role of data in programming strategy — without commercial pressures</li><li>How international co-productions are helping tell Australian stories globally</li><li>The future of ABC Kids and what's next for children's programming</li><li>Ensuring diversity on-screen and behind the scenes</li><li>How ABC measures audience satisfaction beyond ratings</li><li>Viewer surprises — which shows outperformed expectations</li><li>What new iview exclusives are around the corner</li></ul><p><br></p><p>It’s an insightful look at the evolving world of public broadcasting, programming trends, and what makes ABC content tick in 2025.</p><p><br></p><p>For all the latest TV news, streaming updates, cinema reviews, ratings, and podcasts, head over to <a href=\"https://tvcentral.com.au\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">tvcentral.com.au</a>.</p>","author_name":"Aaron Ryan"}