Get ready for a bold new chapter in Australian broadcasting! Just seven months after the iconic Q+A was discontinued, David Speers is stepping up to host a fresh panel show on the ABC, and it’s already sparking conversations. The new program, titled ABC National Forum, promises to tackle pressing news topics by bringing together politicians, experts, and a live studio audience for dynamic discussions. But here’s where it gets intriguing: the very first episode will dive deep into the lives and experiences of Jewish Australians, including the aftermath of the Bondi terrorist attack—a topic that’s both timely and deeply sensitive. And this is the part most people miss: by focusing on such critical issues, the show aims to strengthen social harmony and foster a more cohesive nation, according to ABC news director Justin Stevens. He emphasizes, ‘Listening to one another is essential to building a stronger community, and the ABC is uniquely positioned to facilitate these ‘town square’ conversations.’
Speers, already a familiar face as the host of Insiders and a former rotating host of Q+A, shared his enthusiasm in a statement. He believes the show will be a platform for Australians to ‘share their knowledge, hear diverse perspectives, and deepen their understanding of one another.’ Meanwhile, ABC managing director Hugh Marks highlighted the network’s commitment to uniting Australians, stating, ‘This is at the heart of our role as the national public broadcaster, and we’re proud to invest in content that serves and connects our community.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: While the show’s mission is commendable, some might question whether a single episode can adequately address the complexities of Jewish Australian experiences, especially in the wake of such a traumatic event. Is this a step in the right direction, or does it risk oversimplifying deeply rooted issues? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.**
The development of ABC National Forum was hinted at during Senate estimates in December, when Marks expressed the need to revive a ‘town hall’ format that had been ‘lost’ during Q+A’s 18-year run. This echoes former ABC managing director Mark Scott’s 2009 vision of the ABC as a ‘town hall,’ and incoming chair Kim Williams’ 2024 aspiration for the network to become a ‘national campfire.’
For context, Q+A, launched in 2007 by executive producer Peter McEvoy and host Tony Jones, was a trailblazer in its early years. It was one of the first shows to showcase tweets on live TV and consistently generated newspaper headlines. However, its cancellation in June was met with mixed emotions, as Stevens noted it involved the ‘loss of talented colleagues,’ though he clarified it was ‘no reflection on anyone on the show.’ The program had seen several hosting changes, including Stan Grant’s appointment as full-time host in 2022, his departure in 2023 due to racist abuse, and Patricia Karvelas taking over until its final episodes.
As ABC National Forum prepares to take center stage, it’s clear the network is aiming to recapture the spirit of open dialogue and community engagement. But will it succeed where Q+A left off? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is this the kind of programming Australia needs right now, or is there a better way to address these critical issues? Share your thoughts below—we’re all ears!
