Q+A has been one of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) most iconic and influential panel shows for nearly twenty years. It’s known for sparking lively debate and holding politicians and public figures to account.
Airing weekly, it has provided Australians with a platform to engage directly with pressing national issues, encouraging open discussion and diverse viewpoints. The show has become a staple for many viewers, who appreciate its role in shaping public discourse and keeping leaders accountable.
After nearly two decades of sparking debate and putting politicians in the hot seat, the ABC’s flagship panel show Q+A reportedly faces the axe as part of a sweeping shake-up at the national broadcaster.
The news, which has sent shockwaves through the media landscape and among loyal viewers, comes as ABC’s new managing director, Hugh Marks, prepares to unveil his first major round of changes since taking the helm in March.
Q+A, launched in 2007 by executive producer Peter McEvoy and original host Tony Jones, quickly became a staple of Monday night television.
It was a place where everyday Australians could ask questions directly to politicians, experts, and public figures—sometimes with electrifying results.
Over the years, the show has seen a parade of hosts, from Jones to Hamish Macdonald, Stan Grant, and most recently Patricia Karvelas, each bringing their style to the moderator’s chair.
However, as ABC faces ongoing budget pressures and shifting audience habits, it seems even the most iconic programs aren’t safe.
According to sources close to the broadcaster, Q+A will be cut as part of a broader restructuring that will also see a new round of redundancies.
The ABC has not officially confirmed the move, but the writing appears on the wall.
Why now? The ABC’s balancing act
The decision comes at a time of significant change for the ABC. Hugh Marks, who took over from David Anderson earlier this year, has made it clear that he’s reviewing the broadcaster’s priorities.
In his first week, Marks told staff he wanted ABC journalism, audio, and video output to have ‘a real and meaningful impact,’ and hinted at a strategy of ‘doing fewer things better’.
This isn’t the first time the ABC has faced tough choices. The last major round of redundancies, announced in June 2023, saw 100 jobs lost.
The most significant shake-up in recent memory was in 2017, when then-managing director Michelle Guthrie reorganised the ABC along genre lines, resulting in 200 redundancies.
Marks’ approach appears to be about refocusing resources, with plans for new projects such as a dedicated documentaries unit—an initiative strongly supported by ABC chair Kim Williams.
Williams has also made structural changes, including elevating ABC Radio to its standalone division and reversing a previous decision to merge radio and TV content.
The human cost
The news has been unsettling for ABC staff. The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), the journalists’ union, has warned members about looming cuts, and some have already been called into meetings about potential redundancies.
The union has criticised ABC management, accusing them of ‘wasting public money on limousines and expensive lawyers while cutting staff jobs and pushing all budgetary risk on to low-paid, insecure staff’.
The MEAA’s statement reflects a broader concern about the future of public broadcasting in Australia.
As the ABC is forced to make tough decisions, the impact is felt not just by those who lose their jobs but by audiences who rely on the ABC for independent news, analysis, and cultural programming.
Q+A’s legacy
For many Australians, Q+A has been more than just a television program. It’s been a forum for public debate, a place where voices from all walks of life could be heard, and a rare opportunity to hold leaders to account in real time.
The show has had its share of controversies and critics, but its influence on the national conversation is undeniable.
The potential loss of Q+A raises essential questions about the role of public broadcasting in a changing media environment.
As audiences fragment and digital platforms proliferate, how can the ABC continue to serve its mission of informing, educating, and entertaining all Australians?
While the end of Q+A would mark the close of an era, it’s clear that the ABC is not standing still. The planned investment in documentaries and new content formats suggests a willingness to adapt and innovate.
However, as the broadcaster navigates these changes, it must balance the demands of budget constraints, audience expectations, and its unique role as a public institution.
For viewers, the news is bittersweet. Many will mourn the loss of a program that has been a fixture of Australian public life for 18 years. Others may welcome the opportunity for the ABC to try new things and reach new audiences.
Were you a regular Q+A viewer? Is the ABC making the right call, or is this a loss for public debate in Australia? What would you like to see from the ABC in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also read: ABC political reporter steps down from 7.30 for ‘the best job in journalism’
Q & A is irrelevant in todays climate a left wing talk fest. One eyed and loaded audience.