Emily Copeland to Depart as ABC's Head of Music (Report)
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, working across triple j, Double J, triple j Unearthed, ABC Country, ABC Classic and ABC Jazz.
During her time at the Corporation, Copeland played an important part in shaping the landscape of Australian music, from the artist community through to the public broadcaster’s profile at live events and beyond.
Before that, 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.
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 TMN 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).
Last year, she contributed to the federal parliamentary committee’s inquiry into the challenges and opportunities within the Australian live music industry. Variety AU/NZ has reached out to the ABC for comment.
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