Steve Bibb.
Steve Bibb has departed after four years as head of factual at the ABC, where he oversaw an impressive slate which included War on Waste, Employable Me, Anh’s Brush With Fame, Stargazing Live, Back in Time for Dinner and Hawke: The Larrikin and the Leader.
Previously executive producer of factual at CJZ, at the ABC Bibb succeeded Phil Craig, who returned to the UK as chief creative officer for Discovery Networks International and is now head of factual for Electric Pictures.
He tells IF he is likely to return to making programs with an independent production company but staying in commissioning is also an option in Australia or overseas and he is in talks with a number of people.
There will not be an immediate replacement at the ABC as the day-to-day running of productions will continue to be handled by the team led by Josie Mason-Campbell, head of entertainment and factual.
“As they say, timing is everything and I leave the ABC on a creative high. I love the ABC and the privilege it has given me to bring important stories to life. However, after four bumper years, I’m keen for a new challenge,” Bibb said.
“To be given the freedom and responsibility to create an ambitious strategy is a privilege but the real test of success is delivering the goods. I’m pleased to have done that with a slate that’s brought praise, new audiences, social impact and a swag of awards including four AACTAs, two Logies, a couple of SPA Awards and many more.
“I would particularly like to thank my incredibly talented factual team, who are the best in the business, for their passion and support.”
Michael Carrington, acting director, entertainment & specialist, said: “Steve leaves us at what can only be described as a creative high point with many of our factual productions receiving awards, delivering to audiences, creating national conversations and having important community engagement and impact. Steve was a strong leader with the incredibly talented factual team, who will continue to deliver brilliant content to us over 2019 and beyond.”
Before joining the ABC his production credits included Great Southern Land and Two Men in China for the ABC, Hardliners and MegaTruckers for the A&E channels and true crime series Wanted for Network Ten.
He spent nearly a decade as a Nine Network producer and executive producer after working as a journo for Fairfax in Sydney, News Limited and News International in London.