The ABC has today announced that RN Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas will return as host of the broadcasters weekly panel show that “invites a panel of punters, pollies and pundits to talk through the big issues of the week.”
The show has faced a range of challenges in the last few years, following the departure of long-time host Tony Jones in 2019. A range of ABC presenters filled-in on the program until the broadcaster recruited journalist Hamish Macdonald to present the program in late 2019.
Macdonald later resigned in mid 2021 citing an overwhelming amount of abuse and trolling online and returned to Network 10 to join as co-host on The Project. The ABC then enlisted the help of a trio of other presenters from the broadcaster including Stan Grant, David Speers, and Virginia Trioli to present the program.
Stan was then appointed the permanent presenter of the program in mid 2022, but later resigned in May of this year citing “grotesque racist abuse, including threats to his safety” which followed the ABC’s coverage of the coronation of Charles III where Grant was a panelist. Karvelas was later announced permanent replacement of the program.
The ABC also returned the program to its former Monday night 9:35pm slot with the shows return earlier this year, this followed a move which saw the program move to Thursday nights for 2 years in an attempt to address dwindling viewers.
The show was then dealt another blow in July with the ABC losing long term network Executive Producer Erin Vincent, who departed the broadcaster after 14 years and had overseen Q+A since early 2020.
Read the full press release below:
ABC NEWS is pleased to announce Patricia Karvelas will return as Q+A anchor in 2024.
Karvelas will lead the conversation as citizens put their questions to local and international politicians and thought leaders.
She will also continue to present RN Breakfast three or five days a week, depending on the Q+A schedule.
Patricia Karvelas said:
“Q+A is the town hall. It’s the only program bringing together a range of guests to debate the big issues where ordinary people – not journalists or insiders – can come along and ask questions of powerful people.”
“I thrive on big and difficult conversations and I’m excited and privileged to take on the role of host of this iconic ABC program in 2024.”
“A show like Q+A should constantly be evolving to meet the needs of Australians and that’s what I’m committed to doing.”
“RN Breakfast is the agenda-setting long-form audio interview program that brings me so much joy. I’m delighted to combine my love of radio and TV at the ABC.”
Justin Stevens, ABC Director, News:
“Having a journalist of Patricia Karvelas’s calibre leading these two key programs is terrific for the ABC and for audiences.”
“Patricia’s an exceptional communicator with a rare ability to cut through complex issues and make them clear.”
“She’s an independent thinker who brings ethical and intellectual rigour to her journalism.”
