Stan Grant permanently steps aside from Q+A, Patricia Karvelas takes on hosting role
Indigenous television presenter Stan Grant has decided to step away permanently from his role as the host of ABC’s Q+A to pursue new projects with the public broadcaster.
Grant, a Wiradjuri man, stood down from the program in May citing “relentless” racial abuse which had only escalated after his appearance on the ABC’s coverage of King Charles III’s coronation.
“Racism is a crime. Racism is violence. And I have had enough,” Grant wrote in a first-person piece published to the public broadcaster’s website.
ABC news director Justin Stevens confirmed Grant’s decision to permanently step away from Q+A and that the broadcaster respected and supported his decision.
“Stan Grant is one of the country’s finest journalists, storytellers and broadcasters and we will be delighted to have his contribution across a number of different ABC programs,” Stevens said.
“We want to do all we can to support Stan and ensure he continues to play a major role in Australian media. He has the ability to lead our media toward a kinder and more constructive conversation.
“In Wiradjuri ‘dyiraamalang’ means a teacher and leader. Stan Grant, a proud Wiradjuri man, is both of those things and I’m looking forward to seeing what he does into the future.”
RN Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas will continue hosting the program for the rest of the year in addition to her role with breakfast radio.
“Patricia Karvelas has been doing an outstanding job as fill-in host and we’re delighted she has agreed to continue in that role,” Stevens said.
Stevens said Voice correspondent and The Drum presenter Dan Bourchier will host a special edition of Q+A from the Garma Festival in the Northern Territory with an all-Indigenous panel.
