The popular daily podcast The Quicky, produced by Mamamia, is undergoing a significant transition with the appointment of a new host, Charlotte Mortlock. This change follows the recent redundancy of former host Claire Murphy and a subsequent exodus of several key production staff. The developments occur against the backdrop of a broader leadership change at Mamamia, with 28-year-old Luca Lavigne recently stepping into the role of CEO.
New Host for The Quicky Podcast
Charlotte Mortlock is set to take the helm of The Quicky, Mamamia’s flagship daily news podcast. An internal announcement confirmed Mortlock’s arrival, detailing her extensive background in political journalism and advisory roles. She previously served as a political reporter and news anchor for Sky News and acted as an advisor within the Liberal Party. Mortlock also founded Hilma’s Network, a group focused on increasing female representation in politics, and later established Something Better Australia, a political movement aiming to offer a centrist alternative.
In an internal memo, Acting Editorial Director Ruth Devine highlighted Mortlock’s qualifications, stating, “Charlotte brings with her an impressive background. As a political reporter and news anchor for Sky News, an advisor within the Liberal Party, and a movement builder with Hilma’s Network, she has consistently championed the inclusion of women in political life across Australia.” Devine added that Mortlock possesses “a keen insight into news and how to translate it for MM’s audience so it’s both informative and entertaining,” drawing on over 12 years of broadcast journalism experience across New York, Sydney, and rural Australia.
Mortlock’s appointment comes after the controversial redundancy of Claire Murphy, who had been the voice of The Quicky. Murphy has since launched her own independent podcast, The Solo Bureau.
Staff Departures Following Redundancy
The period following Claire Murphy’s redundancy has seen several other integral members of The Quicky team depart the company. Studio manager and audio producer Lu Hill resigned shortly after Murphy’s layoff and has since joined Guardian Australia. Executive producer Taylah Strano also announced her departure last week, having briefly co-hosted the show after Murphy’s exit.
Furthermore, Ilaria Brophy, who held the position of Group Executive Producer overseeing Well., The Quicky, and True Crime Conversations, is understood to have stepped down from her role. While staff turnover is not uncommon in the media industry, particularly after redundancies, the simultaneous departures have marked a significant transitional phase for the podcast’s production team.
Mamamia’s New CEO and Industry Reaction
The changes at The Quicky are occurring within a broader organizational shift at Mamamia, marked by the recent promotion of 28-year-old Luca Lavigne to CEO. Lavigne, the son of Mamamia founder Mia Freedman and executive chairman Jason Lavigne, assumed the role after a decade with the company, having joined as a writer. His appointment was announced internally before being shared with the wider industry.
Lavigne addressed potential perceptions of nepotism by acknowledging his entry into the company ten years prior and emphasizing his experience as a long-serving employee and leader. His rapid ascent through the ranks has been noted by industry observers. The announcement generated considerable discussion among current and former Mamamia staff.
Questions surrounding Lavigne’s remuneration have also surfaced. While specific salary details for his new CEO role are not public, a company spokesperson clarified to The Sydney Morning Herald that several female employees earn more than him, a point Mamamia declined to elaborate on further. Reports from the past indicate that Mamamia maintains a workplace where, on average, women earn more than men.
Charlotte Mortlock’s Background
Charlotte Mortlock’s career has been diverse, spanning broadcast journalism and political advocacy. Her experience includes working for former Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and reporting for Sky News. She was a significant figure in advocating for increased female representation within the Liberal Party through the Hilma’s Network.
Mortlock’s efforts to promote gender reform within the party, including advocating for quotas for female candidates, faced internal resistance. Her strategic approach and public criticisms reportedly complicated efforts to gain broader support. Following shifts in party leadership, Mortlock eventually departed the Liberal Party, stating a desire to support women and Australia through “other ways.”
In addition to her new role at Mamamia, Mortlock continues her involvement in politics through Something Better Australia. This movement positions itself as a centrist alternative for voters seeking options beyond the major parties, though its specific policy priorities are described as not yet fully defined.
Mortlock also has connections within Mamamia’s senior ranks, being friends with twins Jessie and Clare Stephens, though Clare has since left the company and Jessie is currently on maternity leave and did not participate in the recruitment process. Despite these connections, her hiring is presented as based on her professional qualifications and experience.
Conclusion
The appointment of Charlotte Mortlock as the new host of The Quicky signals a new chapter for the podcast. Coupled with Luca Lavigne’s ascension to CEO and the departures of several key staff members, Mamamia is navigating a period of significant change and transition.
