ABC Embraces Centralised Data Governance with New Cloud Warehouse
Laying the Foundations for Better Data
The ABC has entered phase two of a three-year data governance acceleration program, consolidating its data into Snowflake’s cloud-based platform. This move marks a critical step in centralising and streamlining access to the broadcaster’s critical data assets, tackling longstanding issues with siloed systems, slow insights, and unclear accountability.
A People-Focused Model
Alongside new technology, the program introduced a three-tiered structure, foundation, enablement, and embedment, designed to distribute responsibility across the organisation. A governance council now works with 18 data owners and 15 stewards, each overseeing and maintaining data within specific domains. This model promotes shared responsibility, clearer roles, and stronger lifecycle management.
From Reactive to Proactive
After 18 months, ABC reports meeting key milestones, including cultural buy-in and operational change. Over 4000 staff have completed training, and governance responsibilities are now embedded in daily operations. The next step: building “data governance by design,” with a focus on automation, quality monitoring, and identifying issues early in the data lifecycle.