ABC managing director Hugh Marks laments 'lost opportunity' for Bluey bonanza

The chief of the ABC has conceded the broadcaster and taxpayers missed out in one key area when exporting the ‘biggest show around the world’.

Tess Ikonomou
AAP
The ABC missed out on millions of dollars after failing to cash in on Bluey's merchandising rights. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)
The ABC missed out on millions of dollars after failing to cash in on Bluey's merchandising rights. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

Massively popular kids’ show Bluey was a “lost opportunity” for the national broadcaster, the head of the ABC says.

The ABC has missed out on hundreds of millions of dollars after it failed to negotiate with the BBC on the merchandising rights.

The Australian series, made by Brisbane animators Ludo Studios, is one of the most streamed shows in the US.

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Addressing the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday, ABC managing director Hugh Marks said the “biggest show around the world” hadn’t been properly commercialised.

“It’s a lost opportunity,” he said.

“It’s happened. Here is where we are. Let’s not make the same mistake again.

“We have the potential to look at different models so that we don’t lose those opportunities, and it’s important for the taxpayer to find them when you can.”

Mr Marks said he’d like to see more children’s content from the national broadcaster.

“It resonates with an audience, it’s important to the progression of children and families and that sense of national identity,” he said.

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