ABC boss apologises to Stan Grant after host left Q+A over racial abuse

ABC boss apologises to Stan Grant after host left Q+A over racial abuse
ABC managing director David Anderson has apologised to Indigenous presenter Stan Grant and introduced a evaluation into the best way the nationwide broadcast responds to racism affecting its staff.

The award-winning host additionally criticised the ABC for failing to assist him publicly whereas he was subjected to the abuse.

Presenter, host and journalist Stan Grant is stepping down from ABC's Q+A.
Presenter, host and journalist Stan Grant is stepping down from ABC’s Q+A. (Peter Brew-Bevan)
“Not one ABC executive has publicly refuted the lies written or spoken about me. I don’t hold any individual responsible; this is an institutional failure,” he wrote, in a column.

On Sunday, Anderson despatched an e mail to ABC workers apologising to the Wiradjuri man.

“How the ABC supports people in these moments is important,” he mentioned. 

“Stan Grant has stated that he has not felt publicly supported. For this, I apologise to Stan. 

“The ABC endeavours to assist its workers within the unlucky moments when there’s exterior abuse directed at them.”

Anderson also hit out at “some industrial media retailers” for what he described as “sustained and vitriolic” “anti-ABC reporting”, saying it had real-world effects on presenters and journalists.

Stan Grant said he has been subjected to relentless racial abuse which has worsened since he appeared on the ABC's coverage of the coronation of King Charles III.
Stan Grant said he has been subjected to relentless racial abuse which has worsened since he appeared on the ABC’s coverage of the coronation of King Charles III. (Chris Hopkins)

Anderson described Grant’s experiences since the coronation broadcast as “distressing and confronting”.

“Racism mustn’t ever be tolerated, and I’m dismayed that Stan has been uncovered to such sickening behaviour,” Anderson said.

“Stan has our full assist. And he has all the time had our full assist. Stan makes an infinite contribution to conversations of nationwide significance.”

The ABC’s Bonner Committee, which advises the broadcaster on issues linked to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, content material and different points, requested the managing director to evaluation the best way the organisation responds to racism affecting workers, a request he accepted.

Source: www.9news.com.au