As part of an onging reshuffle, the ABC has confirmed David Speers, host of political flagship program Insiders, will now helm the broadcaster’s federal political coverage in an expanded role as the national political lead.
The development coincides with Insiders moving to its new home at the upgraded ABC Canberra studio, a shift intended to bring the program to the heart of the nation’s political happenings.
The show, previously filmed at the ABC’s Southbank studio in Melbourne for 21 years, has moved following the acquisition of two automatic cameras for the Northbourne studio. Last week, the Insiders show was hosted from the National Press Club due to the unavailability of the new studio.
As part of his additional duties, Speers will work closely with the ABC Parliament House team and will also accompany 7.30’s chief political correspondent, Laura Tingle, in anchoring the ABC’s political coverage.
The promotion follows the redundancy of Andrew Probyn, the former national political editor, which somewhat bizarrely, the ABC maintains is unrelated to these changes.
ABC News Director Justin Stevens stated that with Speers based full-time in Canberra, his extensive experience can be optimally utilised throughout the week.
“David Speers is a hugely respected political journalist and the ABC plays a vital role in scrutinising our federal policy and politicians,”
said Stevens, adding that they aim to reach more Australians across all ABC News services.
David Speers, who relocated from Melbourne to Canberra last year, expressed excitement at the new developments.
“It’s terrific to have the program that’s all about the nation’s politics now based right in the centre of the action,” Speers said.
“As Australians wrestle with hugely important issues around the cost of living, housing, climate change, the Indigenous Voice, and many others, the Insiders team will be on the ground to help them navigate how the policies and politics are impacting the nation and people’s lives.
“I’m also really pleased to have an expanded presence within the bureau. The ABC Parliament House team is a powerhouse of incredibly talented and dedicated journalists. It’s a privilege to be part of this team and I look forward to working even more closely with everyone.”
The ABC is insisting this move is distinct from its earlier proposals aimed at transitioning from a linear television broadcaster to a digital-first media organisation.
This transformation, which is currently under consultation, could see the loss of 41 news positions and the discontinuation of eight state-based 7pm Sunday news bulletins, totaling to 120 job cuts.
Despite these changes, Insiders continues to be Australia’s top morning show, drawing an average weekly audience of 687,000 viewers in 2023 across all viewing platforms, including metro, regional, ABC iview, and encore/repeat screenings.
It can be seen each Sunday at 9.00am (AEST) on ABC TV and the ABC NEWS channel, which is also available on ABC iview, and heard from 11.05am (AEST) on ABC NewsRadio, which can also be streamed via the ABC Listen app and ABC Listen online.
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