John Godfrey Mundur dari Jabatan Kepala Komisioning SBS Australia

Lembaga penyiaran publik Australia, SBS, kehilangan Kepala Komisioning John Godfrey yang memutuskan mengundurkan diri dari jabatannya setelah mengabdi selama 18 tahun. Langkah pengunduran diri yang diumumkan pada Senin, 15 Juni 2026 ini baru akan berlaku efektif mulai pertengahan Juli mendatang. Hingga saat ini, pihak manajemen stasiun televisi tersebut belum mengumumkan nama pengganti yang akan mengisi posisi lowong itu.

Selama memegang jabatan kepala komisioning sejak 2022, Godfrey berhasil memperluas format tayangan luar negeri dan meluncurkan panduan inklusi komisioning SBS, termasuk menayangkan program populer seperti Struggle Street, Go Back to Where You Came From, dan Alone Australia. Melalui keterangan resmi, Godfrey menyampaikan bahwa keputusan ini diambil karena momen yang dinilai sudah tepat untuk melangkah ke babak baru.

"After 18 incredible years at SBS, now is the right time for me to step away," kata John Godfrey, Kepala Komisioning SBS.

Pria yang telah membentuk strategi komisioning serta identitas visual SBS ini juga merasa beruntung atas kolaborasi erat yang terjalin selama ini. "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," ujar John Godfrey, Kepala Komisioning SBS.

Godfrey turut mengekspresikan rasa bangganya terhadap portofolio program televisi yang berhasil dihadirkan kepada pemirsa. "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," tutur John Godfrey, Kepala Komisioning SBS.

Apresiasi mendalam juga dialamatkan kepada para mitra kerja yang bersedia mempercayakan kisah mereka untuk disiarkan secara luas. "I depart with gratitude for the people and experiences that have defined my time at SBS," kata John Godfrey, Kepala Komisioning SBS. Bagi Godfrey, keterlibatannya dalam membagikan cerita-cerita tersebut kepada masyarakat Australia merupakan sebuah kehormatan besar.

"I’m especially thankful to those who have trusted us to tell their stories, and to the many collaborators willing to take risks to create impact. It has been a privilege to play a small part in sharing those stories with Australians," ujar John Godfrey, Kepala Komisioning SBS.

Keputusan pengunduran diri ini langsung ditanggapi oleh Direktur Utama SBS Jane Palfreyman yang menilai kontribusi Godfrey sangat besar bagi lanskap penyiaran nasional. "It is reflected in the profound impact these programs have had on Australia's national conversations, shaping our understanding of identity, culture and community," kata Jane Palfreyman, Direktur Utama SBS. Palfreyman menambahkan bahwa dedikasi Godfrey terlihat jelas lewat produksi dokumenter penting yang mampu memicu keterlibatan bermakna publik.

"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," ujar Jane Palfreyman, Direktur Utama SBS.

Pihak manajemen pun mendoakan kelancaran bagi kelanjutan karier profesional Godfrey ke depan. "We thank him for his vision and leadership and wish him every success as he embarks on this next chapter," tutur Jane Palfreyman, Direktur Utama SBS.

Sementara itu, Direktur Televisi SBS Kathryn Fink menegaskan bahwa ketajaman kreativitas yang dimiliki Godfrey merupakan pilar reputasi lembaga penyiaran. "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," kata Kathryn Fink, Direktur Televisi SBS.

Fink memuji komitmen kuat Godfrey dalam mendorong isu keberagaman, baik di depan maupun di belakang layar kaca. "John's passion for ensuring the diversity of Australia is reflected not just in the stories we tell at SBS, but in who tells them, has underpinned our position as a leader in inclusion in the sector," ujar Kathryn Fink, Direktur Televisi SBS. Langkah nyata tersebut dibuktikan melalui berbagai program dan inisiatif inklusi bagi talenta-talenta baru di industri media.

"He has driven key initiatives including the launch of SBS's Commissioning Inclusion Guidelines, and programs that support emerging and under-represented talent, in front and behind the camera," tutur Kathryn Fink, Direktur Televisi SBS.

Kepastian mengenai jalannya operasional harian pada departemen komisioning setelah pertengahan Juli akan ditentukan segera setelah SBS menetapkan pejabat baru.