Richard Finlayson, the director of ABC TV, has announced his departure from the national broadcaster after three years in the job.
In a statement on Friday, Finlayson said he had handed his resignation to ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie. It is understood he will step down at the end of March.
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"I have decided that after more than three very satisfying and rewarding years as director of ABC TV, it is time to move on to the next stage of my career," he said.
"I am very proud of distinctive and quality programs like The Secret River, The Code and Cleverman that have gone to air during my time as director."
Before joining the ABC in April 2013, Finlayson served as SBS's chief operating officer and was credited with shepherding the broadcaster to digital platforms.
In a personal email to his television team, he indicated that he had already lined up his next venture and the announcement today was to allow a smooth transition period before his departure in March.
He told staff he had been "bowled over" by their quality and commitment.
"You are doing great work. Making, acquiring, managing and delivering brilliant shows that are being recognised through tremendous audience response and record numbers of awards. Too many to mention here … but there are outstanding successes in every genre that any network would kill for. And maybe more importantly, where we've failed (and we have) we've created a culture that gives permission to learn.
![Richard Finlayson, director of television the ABC, has stood down.](/web/20170122120938im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/v/b/g/e/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtvbhr.png/1484903688417.jpg)
"Because of your hard work, there is a very bright future for the ABC and for public broadcasting in Australia."
In the formal statement, he went on to praise ABC's iview platform for offering stiff competition to the likes of overseas streaming giants such as Netflix.
![ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie has plans to reshape the organisation.](/web/20170122120938im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/o/s/q/w/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtvbhr.png/1484903688417.jpg)
"Amid fierce competition, iview remains the number one TV VOD [video on demand] service in the country with more than 50 hours of brilliant, original shows as well two new Kids apps that are already loved by children and parents."
"Most of all, I'm proud of the incredible team in ABC TV that we have recruited, nurtured and developed. I know that the future of ABC TV and the national broadcaster is in highly capable hands."
Finlayson's resignation comes at a time of deep unrest within the ABC, with job losses and cost cutting leading to accusations of "piss poor management".
ABC radio broadcaster Robyn Williams accused ABC bosses of being "morally and spiritually bankrupt" after the axing of science program Catalyst in November.
In the same month, more than 60 Radio National staff passed a motion of no confidence against their superiors, citing "systemic failure" in senior radio management and "the erosion of the editorial and managerial responsibilities of executive producers".
Hundreds of Australian musicians including Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins and Gurrumul also signed an open letter to Guthrie and the ABC board saying they were dismayed by the decision to cut music programming on Radio National.