ABC host Stan Grant has stepped down D+R less than a year after being named permanent host, following continued criticism, particularly regarding his appearance on ABC’s Coronation coverage.
In a statement, ABC News Editor Justin Stevens, said: “Over many months, but particularly in recent days, Stan Grant has been subjected to grotesque racial abuse, including threats to his safety. This has gotten especially virulent since he appeared as part of ABC’s coronation coverage.
“It is abhorrent and unacceptable.
“Stan personally addresses this issue in a column posted today.”
Grant was named permanent host of D+R in July 2022 after a short period of rotating guests, with Virginia Trioli and David Speers.
Since Tony Jones’ departure in 2019, the show has seen declining viewership, albeit increasing during the pandemic, and attracted headlines about Grant’s hosting, including asking an audience member to leave in March of 2019. last year.
Grant has also been vocal in criticizing ABC’s lack of diversity in its recent election night coverage in NSW, saying, “There is no excuse for what I saw on the air last night. Nobody. I’ve worked in organizations all over the world and nowhere would what we presented last night be tolerated.
Stevens went on to say that he welcomed the constructive discussion while defending the panel’s “strong and well-presented editorial”.
“Stan is one of Australia’s best and most respected journalists and broadcasters. The ABC stands by him and condemns the attacks directed against him,” he said today.
“The ABC has and will continue to report any threats to the police. Earlier this year, ABC filed a detailed complaint with Twitter about Stan’s racist abuse posted on its platform.
“Stan Grant was one of a series of speakers who appeared during ABC’s May 6 invitational coronation coverage. He was not the instigator of the program. He was asked to participate as a Wiradjuri man to discuss his family’s experience and the role of monarchy in Australia in the context of Indigenous history.
“It is part of ABC’s role to facilitate such important conversations, however complex and uncomfortable, and to reflect the diversity of perspectives.
“The panel discussion he attended aired early as a segment in approximately eight hours of live coverage of Coronation. The timing of this important discussion ahead of the event prompted a strong response from some viewers. This is regrettable. The ABC Ombudsman will investigate editorial complaints about coverage, according to the usual process.
“The responsibility for coverage rests with ABC News management, not with Stan Grant. Yet it is he who has borne the brunt of a tirade of criticism, particularly in the usual sections of the media that target the ABC. The reporting of his contribution to the roundtable was unfair, inaccurate and irresponsible. He has helped fuel horrendous personal and racial abuse.
“Any complaints, criticisms — or vitriol — about the coverup should be directed at me, not him.
“Yindyamalgirridyu mainyinguwal. In Wiradjuri that means I will respect other people.”
ABC has yet to announce who will host Monday.
