Anita Jacoby, perhaps best-known as Andrew Denton’s partner in Zapruder’s Other Films and the Enough Rope interview show, is to join the board of Australia’s Public Interest Journalism Initiative.

She said she looked forward to contributing to PIJI’s “vital work”, helping to ensure public journalism is sustainable into the future. ‘The role of public interest journalism is a public good – it couldn’t be more crucial in this age of growing misinformation and disinformation.”

Jacoby, who was awarded membership of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2019, published a memoir, Secrets Beyond the Screen, last year.

She is described as “one of the most decorated TV producers in Australia”. She was an associate member of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) from 2013-2023, is a board member of Chief Executive Women, Documentary Australia, the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation (UK) and co-chairs Women in Media Australia. 

Her television credits include iconic Australian TV productions including 60 Minutes, Sunday, Witness, Today, LAWS and Good Morning Australia.  

Working closely with Denton, she managed independent production company Zapruder’s Other Films, where she became head of production and development and executive-produced original series including Enough Rope, The Gruen Transfer, Elders, AFP and Hungry Beast.

She was managing director of ITV Studios from 2013-2015, and has worked in senior production roles at all of Australia’s broadcasters. 

Long an advocate for women in media and for the importance of public interest journalism, she was welcomed by PIJI chairman Allan Fels. “Anita brings deep expertise in broadcast journalism and leadership to the PIJI board, complementing the skills already represented, including public policy, research, philanthropy, technology and business,” he said.

“We look forward to enjoying her guidance, expertise and insight as we continue to research and advocate for Australia’s public interest news sector.”