Emily Copeland will exit from her role as the ABC’s head of music later in the month, according to a report published by The Music Network.
Boasting two decades’ experience in music, media and broadcasting, Copeland took the reins on the ABC’s multi-channel music strategy in early 2024, working across triple j, Double J, triple j Unearthed, ABC Country, ABC Classic and ABC Jazz.
Copeland’s departure is said to follow changes to screen, audio and news announced by ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks on June 11, reported by Variety AU/NZ.
ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer confirmed Copeland’s departure in an internal email last Friday, June 27.
“Emily has been a strong advocate for the local music sector, appearing before a Senate inquiry last year to highlight the ABC’s role in supporting Australian music, and reinforcing our ongoing commitment. She has also worked hard to successfully strengthen the ABC’s relationships with the industry more broadly,” he explained.
Also, Copeland “streamlined and strengthened our music strategy, including music testing across triple j and ABC Local Radio to better understand audience preferences and listening habits – insights that continue to shape our scheduling and music mix. She led the work to increase rotation for Australian artists on triple j, a move that’s been welcomed by the industry and audience alike. She played an important role in securing artists for triple j’s One Night Stand in Busselton, and also in the return of the Young Performers Awards to the ABC, which are planned as part of ABC Classic’s 50th anniversary in 2026,” Latimer added.
“Thank you to Emily for her energy, dedication and passion for Australian music,” he signed off. “I’ve no doubt many of us will continue to work with her across the industry in the years ahead.”
Prior to joining the ABC, Copeland served with ARN, joining in 2021 as General Manager of CADA, where she spearheaded a new multi-platform national youth media brand.
Then, in January 2023, she was promoted to Director of Audience Innovation and Music Partnerships, with responsibilities for uncovering and championing projects which drove audience and brand innovation and growth for ARN.
Love Film & TV?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.
Previous stints include AFTRS, TEDxSydney, Chugg Music, Foxtel, CMC Rocks QLD, FBi Radio and Sounds Australia, and she founded strategic music partnerships agency Good Authority.
“The support of local content and creativity is incredibly important to us, and is at the forefront of everything we do,” Copeland told The Music Network for an article published August 2024. “And that’s not just triple j. In the last year, triple j, ABC Country, and ABC Classic all played over 50% Australian music. And, of course, Unearthed is only playing music from local artists, and has been instrumental in the launch of the careers of so many Australian artists including Flume, G Flip, Amy Shark, The Kid Laroi, and Tones & I.”
In addition to the 2024 edition of BIGSOUND, where she was guest speaker for an “In Conversation” session, Copeland has spoken at SXSW Sydney, Mumbrella360, Vivid Ideas, Video Junkee and EMC in Australia, and internationally at Canadian Music Week, RadioDays Asia, RadioDays Europe & South by Southwest Austin (SXSW).
The ABC will shortly begin recruiting for a Manager, Music Programming to report to the Head of triple j and Double J.