Greg Hywood steps down as chair of Australian commercial lobby group Free TV

Australian commercial broadcasting lobby group Free TV Australia has announced its chair, Greg Hywood, is stepping down after four and half years in the post.

Greg Hywood

Hywood was appointed to the position in October 2020, chairing the Free TV board during a period of change in commercial media and heightened regulatory demands, including national policy discussions on the impact of global digital platforms and the future of free-to-air television.

Under a new government and communications minister, Hywood said his exit is a “natural transition point” as he concentrates on other commitments.

“It’s been a privilege to champion an industry that remains essential to Australians. Commercial television plays a vital, yet often under-recognised, role in our society – especially for those facing cost-of-living pressures. The challenge for government now is to rise above the noise and deliver fair, integrated media regulation that reflects changing viewing habits and the impact of international players on audience and revenue share,” Hywood said.

The process to appoint a new Free TV chair will begin immediately.

Bridget Fair, Free TV’s CEO, said Hywood had “driven constructive engagement between Free TV broadcasters, helping to develop a unified position on key strategic issues. The commercial television industry has benefited from his experience and perspective, and Free TV has achieved important advocacy outcomes during his time as chair.”