The ABC has appointed Emily Copeland head of music in the ABC Audio team.
This is a new role at the broadcaster after an executive search that started late in 2023.
Previously, a similar title at the organisation was head of music and young audiences: a role previously held by Meagan Loader. Just two weeks ago, it was revealed Loader has been appointed chief curator at the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra.
Copeland will lead and manage the music strategy across a broad portfolio of triple j, Double J, triple j Unearthed, ABC Country, ABC Classic, and ABC Jazz.
‘ABC’s music brands and platforms are world-class’
Of her appointment, Copeland said: “It’s an honour to have the opportunity to work with such iconic Australian music brands.
“The ABC’s music brands and platforms are world-class and I’m excited to work with the team to continue to build on their incredible legacy and help lead these brands into the future.”
Audio CV: Emily Copeland
Most recently, Copeland was director of audience innovation and music partnerships at ARN. In that role, she led partnerships with the Australian music industry and oversaw projects focussed on audience growth and brand innovation.
Copeland joined ARN in 2021 and was responsible for the strategy that led to the launch of CADA. ARN’s multi-platform youth offering launched in early 2022 and the strategy was reshaped 12 months ago in May 2023. There were further changes at CADA at the start of 2024 with a scaled-back team taking the brand forward.
During eight years working in subscription TV, Copeland managed the Foxtel music and factual channels’ advertising and brand partnerships teams. She also worked with Foxtel’s advertising arm MCN (now Foxtel Media).
During her time at Foxtel, Copeland worked alongside ABC head of audio Ben Latimer during his stint in subscription TV.
Other time Copeland spent with major music and media organisations included Sounds Australia, TEDxSydney and Chugg Music as the founder and director of partnerships agency Good Authority. She was also on the board of FBi Radio.
Ben Latimer said of the appointment: “Emily brings an exceptional range of skills and experience to the role and her understanding and appreciation of Australian music across genres is phenomenal.
“Emily will play a pivotal role in bringing a focus back to the ABC as the home of Australian music.”
Copeland will start in the new role on 6 May.
See also: “Beyond audio:” Why ARN’s The Edge made the switch to CADA