The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has announced the discontinuation of its long-running current affairs talk show, Q+A, after 18 years. This decision, as stated by ABC News Director Justin Stevens, is part of a strategic shift to allocate resources towards new shows and documentaries that resonate more with contemporary audiences. Q+A first aired in 2008 and was most recently hosted by Patricia Karvelas, who will continue her work on Afternoon Briefing and the Politics Now podcast, as well as contribute to Four Corners.
Stevens clarified that this decision does not reflect on the performance of the show’s team, emphasising the need for innovation and evolution in media to better engage the public in national discussions. The cancellation follows a hiatus that began last month and a reassessment of how Australians prefer to connect and participate in such dialogues.
The ABC is focusing on establishing Your Say as a permanent program, which has garnered nearly 30,000 online submissions along with substantial audience interaction during its federal election forums. The network aims to enhance the quantity and quality of news documentaries as well.
Throughout its tenure, Q+A underwent several changes, including shifts in hosting. Initially presented by Tony Jones until 2019, it later featured a rotation of hosts before Stan Grant took over entirely in 2022. Grant’s tenure ended when he stepped down following instances of racist abuse during his coverage of significant events. The show was rebranded to Q+A in 2020, transitioning from its earlier title Q&A.
The program’s initial plan was to return in August after the recent federal elections, but this will no longer occur. This move aligns with similar recent decisions in the Australian media landscape, as Channel 10 has also decided to cancel its nightly program, The Project, after almost 16 years.
As the ABC navigates these changes, discussions with the remaining Q+A staff are ongoing, though details regarding any potential redundancies have not yet been disclosed. Stevens has expressed gratitude towards all those who have contributed to Q+A, underlining the impact its audience and participants have had over the years.