In the wake of relentless abuse over King Charles III's Coronation, ABC radio host Patricia Karvelas has been announced as the replacement host for ABC's Q+A for the remainder of this year. The decision comes after Stan Grant, the former host, stepped down from the program, revealing his indefinite departure two months ago.
While Patricia Karvelas will continue to anchor Breakfast on Radio National from Tuesday to Friday, she has been filling in as the program's anchor in Grant's absence. Grant decided to cease fronting the panel discussion show, which invites politicians, experts, and industry leaders to address audience questions.
In a powerful statement, Grant denounced racism as a crime and violence, expressing that he had reached a breaking point. He further criticized ABC's senior management for their lack of public support amid the backlash he faced.
Despite stepping down from Q+A, Grant will remain with ABC and contribute to various other programs. The broadcaster's director Justin Stevens lauded Grant as one of the country's finest journalists, storytellers, and broadcasters. Grant acknowledged Stevens as the only person within ABC whom he acknowledged for their friendship and support, emphasizing Stevens' efforts to bring about change within an organization grappling with its legacy of racism.
ABC remains committed to supporting Stan Grant and his continued role in Australian media, recognizing his potential to foster a kinder and more constructive conversation. Grant, a proud Wiradjuri man, is seen as both a teacher and leader (dyiraamalang in Wiradjuri), and his contributions to the future are eagerly anticipated.
Patricia Karvelas, who has been serving as a fill-in host, received a commendation from Justin Stevens for her outstanding work. She joined the national broadcaster in 2015, initially featuring on ABC's RN Drive radio program and later moving to RN Breakfast in 2021. Additionally, Karvelas hosts ABC's political podcast, The Party Room, alongside Fran Kelly.
As of Monday, an ABC spokesperson confirmed that Stan Grant was still on leave, while the transition to Patricia Karvelas as the host of Q+A is set to bring a new chapter to the program.
