Emily Copeland To Depart ABC As Music Restructure Confirmed

Head of Music Emily Copeland will depart the ABC, a spokesperson has confirmed to The Music. 

ABC has revealed that it will be integrating its music programming into its music networks “to strengthen ownership” of its brands and bring its programming and content teams closer together. 

The shift will see the appointment of a Manager for Music Programming, who will report to the Head of triple j and Double J. It’s expected that ABC will begin the recruitment process shortly.

“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,” reads an email from ABC’s Head of Audio, Ben Latimer, sent to staff on Friday.

“She has also worked hard to successfully strengthen the ABC's relationships with the industry more broadly.

“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.

“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.”

Copeland joined ABC as Head of Music in May of 2024, heading up the ABC Audio team across triple j, Double J, triple j Unearthed, ABC Country, ABC Classic and ABC Jazz in a role created specifically for her. 

At the time, she stated that it was “an honour to have the opportunity to work with such iconic Australian music brands”.

Before her stint at ABC, Copeland worked as the Director of Audience Innovation & Music Partnerships at ARN, where she spearheaded the strategic vision and launch of the youth-targeted CADA platform. She also led the national rollout of beloved country music station KIX.

Copeland has long been revered as one of the country’s most skilled audio executives – her portfolio also includes tenures with major music and media companies like Sounds Australia, TEDxSydney, Chugg Music and Foxtel.

She’s once served as the Vice President of the Board for FBi Radio – and she even founded her own partnership agency, Good Authority.