Emily Copeland Joins ABC As New Head Of Music

Longstanding industry legend Emily Copeland has been named as the ABC’s new Head Of Music, heading up the ABC Audio team across six platforms in a role created specifically for her.

In the position – which she’ll begin this coming Monday (May 6) – Copeland will lead the ABC’s music programming strategy across triple j, Double J, triple j Unearthed, ABC Country, ABC Classic and ABC Jazz.

In a statement shared today (May 2) by the ABC, Copeland showed a keen excitement to leap into her new role: “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.”

The sentiment was shared by ABC’s Head Of Audio, Ben Latimer, who said in a statement of his own that he’s “delighted to welcome Emily to the ABC”. Declaring that her appointment plays “a pivotal role in bringing a focus back to the ABC as the home of Australian music”, he added: “Emily brings an exceptional range of skills and experience to the role and her understanding and appreciation of Australian music across genres is phenomenal.”

Copeland has long been revered as one of the country’s most skilled audio executives – her portfolio includes tenures with major music and media companies like Sounds Australia, TEDxSydney, Chugg Music and Foxtel. She’s certainly no stranger to radio, having once served as the Vice President of the Board for FBi Radio – and she even founded her own partnership agency, Good Authority.

Most recently, 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 launch of beloved country music station KIX.