ABC’s Q+A executive producer, Erin Vincent, has confirmed her departure from the national broadcaster.
After a 14-year tenure, Erin Vincent is set to take the helm as the chief executive at Melbourne’s literary and ideas hub, The Wheeler Centre.
Having been with the ABC for over a decade, Vincent oversaw many high-profile shows including Insiders and News Breakfast. She also held the position of ABC News’ Content Development and Innovation Lead. Her departure follows her successful stint at Q+A, which she began leading in early 2020, and where she adeptly navigated the show through the challenges of pandemic lockdowns and restrictions.
ABC News Director, Justin Stevens, expressed his gratitude towards Vincent in an email to the ABC staff. He praised her dedication and notable contributions, especially highlighting her role in the ABC’s 50:50 gender initiative. This initiative aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of women’s voices in public discourse.
Vincent’s exit comes on the heels of the recent departure of Q+A’s host Stan Grant. He made headlines after citing “racial abuse” due to ABC’s controversial coverage of King Charles III’s coronation.
While Grant remains on paid leave, the ABC has confirmed that upon his return, he’ll be transitioning to new projects within the broadcaster. Patricia Karvelas, Radio National’s breakfast presenter, will step in as Q+A’s host for the rest of 2023.
The Q+A program has experienced a revolving door of hosts in the past few years. Hamish Macdonald, who resigned in 2021 after facing online harassment, was followed by various guest hosts, including Grant, Virginia Trioli, and David Speers. Furthermore, in an effort to combat waning viewer numbers, the show transitioned back to its Monday night slot in 2022, after briefly airing on Thursdays.
Vincent’s immediate successor will be Olivia Hill-Douglas, who steps in as Acting EP.
