Philanthropic group ‘in turmoil’ over funding and direction

Jun 29, 2022 at 11:37 pm by admin


Australia’s innovative Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism & Ideas – launched with a $100 million gift in 2018 – is being torn apart by a dispute over direction... and ideas.

Four independent directors have resigned and executive director Mark Ryan is reported to be negotiating his exit, with Neilson apparently bringing in her daughter and lawyer as replacements.

In the Guardian Australia, Amanda Meade says Neilson – who has “topped up” funding over years – drew the line over ambitious plans for a prize for ideas.

What has been described as a “massive vanity project”, the prize which was to cost $10m a year, has been described as “the final straw” for the billionaire philanthropist, who owns the JNI’s premises in Chippendale, Sydney, and is also the owner of the White Rabbit gallery. Her daughter Beau Neilson, and lawyer Daniel Appleby have been appointed as directors following the resignations of James Spigelman, Paul Kelly, Bridget Fair and Kate Torney.

Given the need to “top up” funding, Neilson had reportedly exercised her prerogative to influence how it was being spent.

A visit to the Institute’s website shows a range of worthwhile projects it has been involved in, in Australia and southeast Asia, including an ABC media literacy programme, reopening the Australian Financial Review’s Jakarta bureau, Guardian Australia’s Pacific Project and Ngaarda Media, a community radio station in Roebourne, WA.

Sections: Newsmedia industry

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