ABC Head of Music Emily Copeland to Exit (SOURCES)
Emily Copeland will this month depart as the ABC’s head of music, a spokesperson for the Corporation confirms to The Music Network.
Based in Sydney, Copeland took the lead on 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.
In a message to friends and colleagues, seen by TMN, Copeland reflects on her good fortune to play a part in “supporting and championing local music and talent” at the ABC, the projects she’s worked on and the changes that she’s made to ensure this support “continues to grow in the future.”
Copeland’s exit follows changes to screen, audio and news announced by ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks on June 11th, according to a statement from the state-funded network.
One of those changes would see the ABC integrating music programming into its music networks “to strengthen ownership of our music brands and bring our music programming and content teams closer,” the message continues.
At the ABC, Copeland played a crucial part in shaping the landscape of Australian music, from the artist community through to the public broadcaster’s profile at music festivals and on DSPs.
In an email to staff on Friday, June 27th, ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer lauded the outgoing executive’s contribution.
“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 remarked.
“Emily 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 signed off, “Thank you to Emily for her energy, dedication and passion for Australian music. I’ve no doubt many of us will continue to work with her across the industry in the years ahead.”
An experienced music and media professional, Copeland has clocked two decades in the field including stints with AFTRS, TEDxSydney, Chugg Music, Foxtel, CMC Rocks QLD, FBi Radio and Sounds Australia, and founded strategic music partnerships agency Good Authority.
“Stepping into this role has felt like a great culmination of many roles that I’ve done during my career,” Copeland told TMN last year, ahead of her “In Conversation” session at BIGSOUND 2024.
“The support of local content and creativity is incredibly important to us, and is at the forefront of everything we do,” she added.
Expanding on the ABC’s place in the Australia music ecosystem, she remarked at the time: “The support of local content and creativity is incredibly important to us, and is at the forefront of everything we do. And that’s not just triple j. In the last year, triple j, ABC Country, and ABC Classic all played over 50% Australian music.”
Before her time with the Corporation, Copeland served with ARN, joining in 2021 as General Manager of CADA, where she guided the launch of a new multi-platform national youth media brand.
Then, in January 2023, she rose 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.
In addition to the annual BIGSOUND powwow, 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), and her contributions to the federal parliamentary committee’s 2024 inquiry into the challenges and opportunities within the Australian live music industry were published in a major playbook for reforms.
Copeland was Vice President of the board of FBi Radio, and was the recipient of the 2023 Chief Executive Women Hansen Leaders Program scholarship.
According to the ABC, recruitment will begin shortly for a Manager, Music Programming to report to the Head of triple j & Double J.
