Stan Grant bid an emotional farewell to the Q+A audience on Monday night as he prepares to take a break for an undetermined period.
In his closing remarks, Grant discussed his decision and acknowledged the racism and hatred he and his family have endured, a poignant moment that underscored the humanity behind the screen. He issued a heartfelt plea for respect and reflection, challenging not only his viewers but also the media industry as a whole.
In his statement, Stan Grant elaborated on his decision:
“Sometimes we need to take time out, sometimes our souls are hurting – and so it is for me. I’ve had to learn that endurance is not always strength, sometimes strength is knowing when to say stop.”
Expressing gratitude for the messages of support and extending empathy to those feeling abandoned and alone, Grant bravely confronted his abusers:
“If your aim was to hurt me, well, you succeeded, and I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I must have given you so much cause to hate me, to target me and my family, to make threats against me.”
Grant drew upon the teachings of his Wiradjuri heritage, invoking the concept of ‘Yindyamarra’ – a notion of respect tied not only to one’s actions, but also to the actions of others. Grant reiterated that his departure was not due to racism or social media hostility, but rather, a self-imposed break from the media, saying:
“I feel like I’m part of the problem, and I need to ask myself how or if we can do it better.”
The farewell was a sobering call for introspection within the media industry and society as a whole. As he said goodnight, Grant reminded viewers of the importance of maintaining respect and honouring a world worth living in.
Meanwhile, in a candid conversation with Rafael Epstein on ABC Radio Melbourne, ABC News Director Justin Stevens admitted his remorse for not issuing a statement of support sooner for Q+A host Stan Grant. He also called out media outlets, particularly News Limited, for fuelling social media abuse.
Stevens conveyed his distress about Grant’s feelings of betrayal:
“Personally, I feel devastated that he feels let down by us because we care deeply about him. He’s an incredible journalist and broadcaster…”
Grant was an invited guest on the coverage of King Charles III’s Coronation, where he offered First Nations perspectives and facilitated discussion about the Crown’s meaning for diverse groups.
Stevens reiterated ABC’s mandate to facilitate challenging conversations, especially on such pivotal occasions:
“This was a moment for us to do what we do as the national broadcaster, which is to facilitate conversations which are at times uncomfortable for viewers and listeners.”
While acknowledging ABC’s prompt support for Tony Armstrong and Lisa Millar following online and media abuse, Stevens accepted ABC’s failure to provide similar support to Grant.
“I regret not putting out a statement directly about Stan in recent days,” he confessed, acknowledging the relentless racism Grant has faced over the months.
News Corporation came under fire from Stevens for their role in undermining the public’s trust in ABC:
“What we’ve got now is sections of the media, particularly in News Limited who will do anything they can to campaign against the ABC.”
While acknowledging the need for scrutiny, Stevens decried the ‘concerted campaign’ against the ABC and the role of social media in perpetuating ‘toxic, disgusting, often illegal comments’ about ABC employees.
This issue, he lamented, presents a new challenge for the media industry.
SOURCES: Mediaweek and TV Tonight
