SBS replaces Mandi Wicks as director of audio with David Hua

David Hua has joined SBS as its new director of audio and language content.

The broadcaster needed to fill the position after Mandi Wicks, who had been in the role since 2012, became its director of news and current affairs.

Wicks has been with SBS since 2010. She joined after six years at DMG Radio (now NOVA Entertainment) where she was general manager in Sydney.

Her replacement, Hua, joins from ABC where he has worked across radio, content, marketing, commercial and digital. Most recently, he led ABC’s international services including ABC Radio Australia, ABC Australia (TV) and digital offerings to connect audiences around the world with Australian stories.

SBS’ managing director James Taylor said Hua was joining at an exciting time.

“SBS Radio is the world’s most linguistically diverse public broadcaster, and is an essential source of coverage for the nearly five million Australians who speak a language other than English at home,” he said.

“David is an accomplished leader with many years of experience across the radio, broadcast, and digital sectors. His keen passion for content and understanding of the industry will be key to the continued growth of our ALC offering. I’m delighted to welcome David to SBS’s executive team.”

Hua said it was a great privilege to join the SBS family, particularly as he is a former refugee and ardent consumer of SBS’ language content.

“SBS is renowned for its ability to connect communities and for its innovative storytelling that delivers to all Australians, from our First Nations peoples to our most recent arrivals. It has been especially inspiring to hear, read, and see the work that the teams have delivered during the pandemic, providing trusted and reliable content across more than 60 languages on multiple platforms,” he said. “I look forward to working with everyone to build on SBS’ many achievements.”

He added: “How people relate to each other has always been the key to a healthy society. The role SBS plays in telling the stories of Australians in all of our diversity is only growing more important, as we work to strengthen our vibrant, inclusive democracy.”