ABC’s long-running program Q+A is set to undergo a significant reduction in its annual episode count in 2024.
According to an internal memo to the staff reported by the Australian Financial Review, the number of episodes will be cut from 40 to 24.
TV Blackbox understands the program’s broadcasts in 2024 will be limited to weeks when the Federal Parliament is in session.
The decision comes after Q+A has faced difficulties in maintaining strong ratings, both in its Thursday slot and upon its return to Mondays. This reduction in episodes follows the recent termination of The Drum and One Plus One by ABC, though Q+A managed to avoid cancellation.
The decision also comes at a time when Sky News Australia is understood to be developing a similar program concept to Q+A.
Q+A has navigated several challenges since the exit of its long-standing host Tony Jones in 2019. A series of ABC presenters temporarily helmed the show until Hamish Macdonald took over in late 2019. However, Macdonald stepped down in mid-2021 due to excessive online abuse and trolling, leading to his return to Network 10’s The Project.
Following Macdonald’s departure, ABC employed a trio of presenters, including Stan Grant, David Speers, and Virginia Trioli, to lead the program. Grant was later appointed the permanent host in mid-2022 but resigned in May this year, citing severe racist abuse and threats.
This abuse intensified following ABC’s coverage of Charles III’s coronation, where Grant appeared as a panelist. Patricia Karvelas was recently announced as his successor.
In an effort to boost viewership, ABC moved Q+A back to its original Monday night slot at 9:35 pm earlier this year, after a two-year Thursday night stint.
However, the show experienced another setback in July with the departure of Erin Vincent, its long-term Executive Producer, who had been with ABC for 14 years and overseen Q+A since early 2020.
“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,”
said Patricia Karvelas. She expressed her enthusiasm for hosting the program, emphasizing its role in facilitating critical discussions.
“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.”
Karvelas also highlighted her commitment to evolving the show to meet Australians’ needs and her continued passion for radio with RN Breakfast.
“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.”
