SBS Head of Commissioning John Godfrey to depart after 18 years
15 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS Head of Commissioning John Godfrey will depart the broadcaster next month, concluding an 18-year tenure during which he has played a pivotal role in shaping SBS's commissioning strategy and delivering many of the network's most successful, acclaimed and culturally impactful programs.
Across senior leadership roles, including as Head of Commissioning since 2022, Godfrey has been instrumental in bringing landmark SBS series to screen, including Go Back to Where You Came From, Once Upon a Time in Cabramatta, Filthy Rich and Homeless, First Contact, Struggle Street and The Australian Wars.
He has also overseen some of SBS's most recognisable and enduring formats and returning series, including Mastermind Australia, The Cook Up with Adam Liaw, Who Do You Think You Are?, and more recently, Alone Australia. His contribution spans some of SBS's most iconic television moments, highest rating hits including Eurovision, and many of the programs that have come to define SBS for Australian audiences.
Equally significant has been John's dedication to nurturing the next generation of Australian screen practitioners. Combined with his generous mentorship and strong leadership, this has made a lasting impact on colleagues, creatives and the broader sector.
Godfrey has also championed under-represented voices, helping ensure the diversity of Australia is reflected both on and off screen across SBS's commissioned slate. This includes the implementation of SBS's Commissioning Inclusion Guidelines, strengthening the broadcaster's position as an industry leader in inclusive storytelling.
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.
I depart with gratitude for the people and experiences that have defined my time at SBS. 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.
SBS Managing Director Jane Palfreyman said: John's legacy extends far beyond the groundbreaking series like Go Back to Where You Came From that he commissioned for this network. It is reflected in the profound impact these programs have had on Australia's national conversations - shaping our understanding of identity, culture and community.
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 Television Kathryn Fink added: 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.
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. 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. His legacy can be seen not only in the strength of SBS today, but in the broader impact he has had on the Australian screen sector.
Godfrey will depart SBS mid-July.
For further information and interview requests please contact:
Jessica Parry | Jessica.parry@sbs.com.au | 0428 767 836
For a PDF of this media release, click here
Asia, Australia & Oceanic Stories
15/06/2026
4.78M AUSSIES TUNE IN FOR SOCCEROOS WIN OVER T RK YE ON SBS
15 June, 2026
Media releases
Match had a Total TV average audience of 3.035 million, with over ...
15/06/2026
SBS Head of Commissioning John Godfrey to depart after 18 years
15 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS Head of Commissioning John Godfrey will depart the broadca...
15/06/2026
Techtel Completes Media Production Setup for a major AFL sporting organisation
Sports
15 June Written By Suzanne Costello
(Sydney, Australia 15 June 2026)...
12/06/2026
How Aussie indie games and screen are levelling up with IP 11 June 2026
Ari Harrison, Pro Jank Footy
Head of Games Joey Egger and Ari Harrison of Umbrella sha...
11/06/2026
Australian Games Industry Glossary of Terms 10 June 2026
From DAU and EULA to COT and QADE, here's a list of game industry terms, industry jargon and their...
10/06/2026
Alone Australia Season 4: Meet the Cast
10 June, 2026
Media releases
WATCH THE TRAILER
Smash-hit survival series Alone Australia drops its highly anticipa...
10/06/2026
DEADLY THEN, DEADLY NOW, DEADLY ALWAYS: SBS & NITV IGNITE NAIDOC WEEK 2026 WITH ...
04/06/2026
Is Your Job Making You Work this June?
4 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS Launches the World Cup Watchers' Rights Association to Stand Up For Australians&...
04/06/2026
Statement regarding unauthorised use of SBS logos on third party social content
4 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has become aware of social media posts in c...
03/06/2026
Clarification: SBS's position on definitions of antisemitism
3 June, 2026
Media releases
Statement by Mandi Wicks, SBS Director of News and Current Aff...
03/06/2026
Do not read this media release! Andy Lee's smash-hit show returns to ABC thi...
01/06/2026
SBS confirms its broadcast sponsors for FIFA World Cup 2026
1 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has secured Hyundai, Hisense, Macca's, Rexona, bet365, Com...
28/05/2026
Get fit for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with new SBS On Demand features for the ult...
28/05/2026
Six films, one unmissable collection. First Facts documentaries debut on 10 Stre...
28/05/2026
Emma Watkins brings all-new Emma's Dance Club to ABC Kids 28 May 2026
Emmas Dance Club. Image credit: Sarah Wilson.
The ABC, Screen Australia and Screen N...
26/05/2026
Three new kids' digital series set to hatch from ACTF and Screen Australia i...
25/05/2026
SBS announces exclusive TV broadcast schedule for FIFA World Cup 2026
21 May, 2026
Media releases
Luke Wilkshire, Tommy Oar, Andrew Redmayne, Sarah Walsh ...
22/05/2026
Statement regarding 2026 National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award for the late...
21/05/2026
2026 delegation for Partner with Australia (UK) initiative announced 21 May 2026
Screen Australia and Ausfilm have today announced the delegation for the 2026 ...
20/05/2026
From Gulkula to the nation: Yothu Yindi Foundation and NITV deepen national acce...
20/05/2026
SBS appoints David Fernandez as National Manager, Digital & TV Sales
20 May, 2026
Media releases
SBS has appointed David Fernandez as National Manager, Dig...
20/05/2026
First Nations Factual Co-production Development Fund launched to elevate Indigen...
18/05/2026
Delta Goodrem shines for SBS as more than 3.27 million Australians tune in for E...
17/05/2026
Delta Goodrem's Eurovision Eclipse marks end of a stellar run
17 May, 2026
Media releases
Bulgaria wins Eurovision 2026
Relive every spellbinding mome...
15/05/2026
Joint Statement: News Bargaining Incentive
28 April, 2026
Media releases
The vibrancy of Australian democracy relies on the robust and open exchange of new...
15/05/2026
Call it Deltavision, Australia's through to the Grand Final of this year'...
14/05/2026
SBS Board appoints Jane Palfreyman Managing Director
13 May, 2026
Media releases
The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Board of Directors is pleased to an...
14/05/2026
Transforming bold ideas into market-ready productions: Digital Originals returns
14 May, 2026
Media releases
SBS, NITV and Screen Australia have announced ...
14/05/2026
Australia Uncovered Returns to SBS with Bold New Season Featuring John Safran on...
14/05/2026
Transforming bold ideas into market-ready productions: Digital Originals returns 14 May 2026
Top (L-R): Bronte Gosper (Musket), Mema Munro (Rogue One), Nathan ...
12/05/2026
One month to go! SBS reveals expansive FIFA World Cup 2026 lineup beyond the pi...
11/05/2026
You're not meant to look at an Eclipse, but you won't be able to take yo...
04/05/2026
It's Andrew! stomps onto screens this June 4 May 2026
The ABC and Screen Australia are delighted to announce that brand new preschool series, It's Andr...
30/04/2026
SBS & NITV LEAD NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 2026 WITH LANDMARK GULPILIL DOCUMEN...
29/04/2026
Surgeon Dr Jasmina Kevric wins 2026 Les Murray Award
29 April, 2026
Media releases
Australia for UNHCR and SBS are proud to announce that Dr Jasmina Kevric...
23/04/2026
Apply now to join the 2026 Producer Delegation to TIFF: The Market 23 April 2026
Screen Australia, in partnership with Ontario Creates, has opened application...
22/04/2026
SBS names shortlisted brands for 2026 SBS Media Sustainability Challenge
22 April, 2026
Media releases
National broadcaster also releases its second annual...
21/04/2026
Applications open for 2026 AISF and Screen Australia Writer/Director Virtual Ses...
20/04/2026
Register now - Market & Audience Department Ask Me Anything (AMA) Session 11 February 2026
Screen Australia Head of Market & Audience Rakel Tansley
Talking to...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia announces funding for 44 documentary projects that reflect a s...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia appoints Tanya Phegan as Narrative Content Head of Development 17 March 2026
Tanya Phegan
Screen Australia has today announced the appointmen...
20/04/2026
Applications Open for Skip Ahead 11 19 March 2026
Past Skip Ahead recipients (L-R): Macfarlane Bros, Rainbow Bop, Lyanna Kea.
Screen Australia and YouTube Aus...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia empowers the next games generation, including new creatives fro...
20/04/2026
Official Co-production Ask Me Anything (AMA) Session 26 March 2026
Image (L-R): Mix Tape, Michele McDonald, Flower & Flour.
Interested in international Co-pro...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia announces Narrative Content funding for 91 projects, including ...
20/04/2026
Production Infrastructure and Capacity Analysis (PICA) pinpoints four key workfo...
20/04/2026
Australians in Film and Screen Australia Announce the 2026 Participants in the T...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia relaunches website with new tools and improved user experience 16 April 2026
Screen Australia relaunches website
Screen Australia has relaun...
SBS Head of Commissioning John Godfrey to depart after 18 years 
