ABC radio administration has proven no understanding of the very important function of public broadcasting and presenter modifications have trampled on viewers belief, Sydney employees have stated in an offended letter to the ABC board.
Within the letter, seen by Guardian Australia, journalists say the choice to take away Sydney presenters Sarah Macdonald and Simon Marnie had been made with out session or clarification. The technique to enhance rankings has not been communicated, other than that it wants a refresh, and employees are bewildered and anxious.
A alternative for Macdonald – which is known to be the previous Q+A number Hamish Macdonald – has nonetheless not been introduced greater than two weeks after the 2025 audio schedule was unveiled.
Sarah Macdonald, whose contract ends on Friday, has been on stress go away since revealing on air she had been axed after three years on the mornings shift.
“We have a unique relationship with our audience who fund us to provide information, entertainment and company,” the letter says.
“We believe that recent actions have trampled on this relationship of trust. We believe this is a mistake and undermines what has been achieved here in a century of broadcasting.”
With out naming them, the letter factors the finger at present radio administration: the director of audio, Ben Latimer, and the pinnacle of capital metropolis community and sport, Mike Fitzpatrick.
Latimer joined the ABC final yr from Nova the place he was head of programming for six years. He has already been promoted to the ABC govt, reporting to the managing director.
Fitzpatrick joined the ABC this yr from Triple M, the place he was credited with creating Melbourne’s top-rating FM breakfast present, The Scorching Breakfast, with Eddie McGuire.
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“We note a significant shift towards senior management who have a commercial media/radio background,” employees say. “We are yet to see evidence of a true understanding and belief in the vital role and responsibility of the public broadcaster in these senior roles.”
Dated 5 December, the letter says native radio is exclusive and presenters who grasp the talents of listening, interviewing and successful the belief of viewers over a three-hour shift will not be straightforward to return by.
The retirement of Richard Glover after 28 years on air would have been thought-about a big sufficient change for the viewers this yr however that has been compounded by the choice to take away Macdonald and Marnie, and the resignation of Robbie Buck.
“This is a public relations disaster on so many on many levels,” the employees say, including: “We observe that four deeply experienced broadcasters will leave at the same time, this talent and trust cannot be easily and quickly rebuilt.”
Employees stated they don’t seem to be reacting to the misery of presenters, as has been steered by administration, however to the “audience outpouring of confusion, anger and disbelief at unprecedented levels”.
The employees have requested for a gathering with the ABC chair, Kim Williams, or one other board member to debate their issues.
The ABC declined to remark.
