EXCLUSIVE: triple j To Find New Music Director

The ABC has revealed a music team shuffle today, advertising the role of triple j Music Director for the first time in the network’s history.

Music Director Nick Findlay will be taking up a new position at the network, Manager, Music Programming, which will see him working across triple j, Double J, Unearthed, ABC Country and streaming initiatives.

The shift will open up the chair in what is arguably one of radio and music’s most influential positions. Previously, the role was only held by three people.

The first in the chair was Arnold Frolows, who started when the network went national in 1993, before being succeeded by an internal promotion for Richard Kingsmill in 2003, who, in turn, moved up to Group Music Director in 2017, with Findlay taking up the baton, also through internal promotion. Kingsmill then departed the ABC and Emily Copeland took on the new role of Head of Music, ABC before departing earlier this year.

The broadcaster said the national search was an opportunity to find someone who could “shape what young Australians hear across the network” and that there would be a genuine search both internally and externally for someone who can continue to centre music at the heart of the triple j culture. Head of triple j and Double J, Lachlan Macara, said the new structure was designed to bring the music and content teams closer together.

“Music is at the heart of what we do at triple j, so bringing our music teams closer to our content teams just makes sense. There's a symbiotic relationship between the two, and this role presents a unique opportunity to strengthen that collaboration, making sure they're tightly integrated while leading the strategic music curation across triple j on-air.

"We've been celebrating triple j's 50-year legacy all throughout 2025, and it's honestly been such a proud moment for all of us. We're still just as passionate about backing local artists and delivering music, events and content that speaks to young Australians. This role is right at the centre of that mission, driving it forward not just this year, but well into the future."

The structure addresses the coordination gap for music left with the departure of Copeland earlier this year, and while the role is not identical, Findlay’s appointment will bring further coordination and strategic leadership between the ABC’s networks. Conspicuously absent from Findlay’s job title is ABC Local, which will continue to be programmed separately, unlike the previous roles.

Speaking on his new role, Findlay said: "I’m really excited to continue working with the incredible music teams across triple j, Double J, Unearthed and ABC Country. Having been part of these networks for a long time, I know how passionate and dedicated everyone here is about supporting local artists and connecting with audiences. I’m excited and proud to keep building on this, helping shape what comes next, celebrating what makes each network special, and continuing to champion Australian music."

Applications for the Music Director position are now open and close on November 23.