ABC finds new TV Director

The ABC has chosen a new director of television, four months after Sandra Levy unexpectedly resigned from the senior role. An ABC spokesman last night confirmed the national broadcaster had chosen a new TV head to replace Ms Levy, who became director of development at the Nine Network, but refused to name the newcomer.

Strong rumours suggest the role could be filled by Ian Carroll -- a former executive producer of Four Corners, The 7.30 Report and Lateline -- who currently is heading the ABC′s satellite Asia-Pacific television service.

Also rumoured to be in the running is Lynley Marshall, the ABC′s director of new media and digital services, which includes the corporation′s digital television channel, ABC2.

But some observers suggest Chris Hilton, an accomplished outsider, may have secured the job. Mr Hilton was the co-founder with Michael Cordell of the well-regarded production company Hilton Cordell Productions, which has made several documentaries for the ABC, SBS and outlets throughout the world.

Mr Hilton won a Walkley award in 2004 for the SBS-screened Dying to Leave. Several of his films, including the acclaimed Last Husky, The Shadow of Mary Poppins and Year of the Dogs, have been successful prime-time fare on the ABC.

The director of television controls the schedule and is, arguably, the second most senior position at the national broadcaster.

Ms Levy took over drama production at Nine after the sudden resignation of highly regarded Posie Graeme-Evans in October last year.

A statement from Nine said Ms Graeme-Evans wanted "to spend more time with her family" although it had been known for some time the creator of McLeod′s Daughters was unhappy at the network.

Ms Levy had been appointed Nine′s director of development just three weeks before Ms Graeme-Evans′s resignation.