The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) released an internal review that revealed the existence of “systemic” racism within its ranks. The review was prompted by high-profile Indigenous anchor Stan Grant stepping away from his anchoring duties after experiencing racist attacks and feeling unsupported by the network. The attacks against Grant intensified during his commentary on King Charles’ coronation, where he highlighted the impact of colonization on Australia’s First Nations people. The report, titled “Listen Loudly, Act Strongly,” found that racism exists within the ABC and that staff members also face racism from external sources.
The review included interviews with 120 staff members by external consultants, with only one person stating that they had not personally experienced racism but were aware of it occurring at the ABC. The majority of respondents indicated the presence of racism in the workplace, including overt racism in the form of racial slurs and derogatory comments, as well as covert racism that hindered their career progression and made them feel culturally unsafe at work. Some employees reported not being given opportunities due to being perceived as meeting diversity targets, highlighting a need for change within the organization.
The report made 15 recommendations, including a commitment from the broadcaster to be “proactively anti-racist” and conduct pay audits for Indigenous and minority staff. ABC’s Managing Director, David Anderson, issued an apology to current and former staff members and pledged to remove racist employees from the organization. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards racist behavior, stating that individuals who engage in or condone such behavior will be called out and expelled from the organization. The ABC, which receives government funding but maintains editorial control over its programming, aims to reflect Australian viewers through its content and employs thousands of people across various locations.
Grant, a former CNN journalist, resigned from the ABC in August to pursue a role in academia, which he has since left. His decision to step away from anchoring duties was a catalyst for the internal review that revealed systemic racism within the organization. The report’s findings shed light on the need for cultural change and a more inclusive workplace environment at the ABC. By acknowledging the existence of racism and committing to addressing it through concrete actions and policies, the broadcaster seeks to create a more equitable and respectful workplace for all staff members, irrespective of their background or identity.
