The income to the small screen sector relies on only two sources: the government, and advertising. It is that simple. In 2016, Russel Howcroft became chair of Think TV, a peak body to campaign for traditional television advertising and therefore a guardian of screen revenue. It is in his blood.
The government has just reappointed him as chair of the AFTRS board. He has run advertising outfit Young & Rubicam Brands. Ditto Network Ten. He is now Chief Creative Officer and a Partner at PwC Australia. He is known for his appearances on The Gruen Transfer and is turning up as a breakfast host on Sydney radio. So he sits at a really interesting nexus in Australian culture – he is a public larrikin with a good brain, an advertising dude who defends our culture. He runs on his own need for amusement but accumulates responsibility.
