Head of commissioning to exit in mid-July after almost two decades with broadcaster
Long-standing commissioner John Godffrey is to exit Australia’s SBS next month after almost two decades with the broadcaster.
Godfrey has been head of commissioning at SBS since 2022, having joined the organisation in 2008 since when he’s been behind shows ranging from Go Back to Where You Came From and Once Upon a Time in Cabramatta, to Filthy Rich and Homeless and First Contact.
He also oversaw local remakes of shows such as Mastermind and Alone Australia, as well as managing the broadcaster’s participation in Eurovision and worked on SBS’s Commissioning Inclusion Guidelines, which aimed to improve the broadcaster’s inclusive storytelling.
Godfrey, who exits in mid-July, is the latest in a series of high-profile SBS exec departures. Peter Andrews resigned as head of network programming in November, four months after SBS managing director James Taylor and chair George Savvides left the broadcaster.
Godfrey said: “After 18 incredible years at SBS, now is the right time for me to step away. I have been fortunate to work alongside so many passionate colleagues, talented creators and production partners who share a belief in backing bold ideas, pushing boundaries and using the power of storytelling to open minds and hearts.
“I’m proud of the programs I have helped bring to screen, the voices they have elevated, the issues they have brought into focus and the conversations they have sparked in homes across Australia.”
SBS managing director, Jane Palfreyman, added: “Through landmark productions such as Filthy Rich and Homeless, First Contact and The Australian Wars, John championed storytelling that challenged assumptions, broadened perspectives and encouraged meaningful engagement with our nation’s history, public policy and contemporary social issues. We thank him for his vision and leadership and wish him every success as he embarks on this next chapter.”
SBS director of TV, Kathryn Fink, said: ”SBS’s standing as a broadcaster renowned for bold ideas, fearless documentary-making and distinctive drama is due in no small part to John’s commissioning acumen and creative ambition. Over many years, he helped shape a commissioning strategy that produced innovative, world-class content while remaining deeply connected to SBS’s unique purpose as Australia’s multicultural and First Nations broadcaster.”
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