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Q+A's Curtain Call: Why the ABC is Ending the Long-Running Panel Show

After 18 years of grilling politicians, sparking national conversations, and occasionally making headlines itself, the ABC's flagship current affairs panel show, Q+A, is coming to an end. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation announced the decision to discontinue the program, marking a significant shift in the landscape of Australian public broadcasting. This move follows a series of cuts within the ABC, raising questions about the future of public interest journalism and the way Australians engage with current affairs.

The Final Episode: ABC Pulls the Plug on Q+A After Nearly Two Decades

The news broke on June 11, 2025, with the ABC confirming that Q+A would not return after its scheduled hiatus. Justin Stevens, the ABC's news director, acknowledged the show's "huge contribution to the national public discussion" over its 18-year run. Hosted by Patricia Karvelas since 2023, the program has been a staple of Australian television, providing a platform for citizens to directly question politicians, community leaders, and corporate figures.

The decision to axe Q+A coincides with broader cost-cutting measures within the ABC. Reports indicate that around 50 roles are being cut as part of a restructuring effort led by the managing director, Hugh Marks. These cuts are reportedly focused on areas that "no longer align with our priorities," suggesting a strategic shift in the broadcaster's focus.

Recent Developments: A Timeline of Q+A's Demise

• May 26, 2025: The ABC's website still promotes Q+A's return in August 2025, indicating that the decision to axe the show was relatively recent.
• June 10, 2025: Reports begin to surface in Nine newspapers that the ABC has decided to "pull the plug" on Q+A after 17 seasons and approximately 500 episodes.
• June 11, 2025: The ABC officially announces the discontinuation of Q+A after 18 years on air. The announcement is accompanied by news of approximately 50 job cuts within the organisation.

Q+A: More Than Just a TV Show – A History of Public Discourse

Launched in 2008, Q+A quickly established itself as a unique forum for public debate in Australia. Unlike traditional news programs, Q+A prioritised audience participation, allowing everyday Australians to directly engage with prominent figures on pressing issues. This format, while often praised for its accessibility and democratic spirit, also attracted criticism. The show was occasionally accused of bias, sensationalism, and providing a platform for controversial viewpoints.

Over the years, Q+A has been hosted by several prominent journalists, including Tony Jones and Patricia Karvelas. The program has tackled a wide range of topics, from climate change and Indigenous affairs to economic policy and international relations. It has featured guests from across the political spectrum, as well as experts, activists, and members of the public.

One of the defining features of Q+A was its ability to generate immediate public reaction. The show's live format and emphasis on audience participation often led to heated debates and memorable exchanges. Clips from Q+A frequently went viral on social media, sparking further discussion and analysis.

The Axe Falls: Why is Q+A Being Cancelled Now?

While the ABC's official statement cites a strategic realignment as the reason for Q+A's cancellation, several factors likely contributed to the decision.

• Budget Cuts: The ABC, like many public broadcasters around the world, has faced increasing pressure to cut costs in recent years. The cancellation of Q+A, along with the announced job cuts, suggests that financial considerations played a significant role.
• Changing Media Landscape: The way Australians consume news and current affairs has changed dramatically in recent years. The rise of online media, social media, and streaming services has fragmented the audience and challenged the traditional dominance of television. Q+A, despite its efforts to adapt to the digital age, may have struggled to maintain its relevance in this evolving landscape.
• Political Pressure: The ABC has often been the target of criticism from politicians and media commentators, particularly those on the right of the political spectrum. Some critics have accused the ABC of bias and called for its funding to be cut. While it's impossible to know the extent to which political pressure influenced the decision to cancel Q+A, it's likely that it was a factor.

The Immediate Impact: What Does Q+A's Demise Mean for Australia?

The cancellation of Q+A has several immediate implications for Australian media and public discourse.

• Loss of a Public Forum: Q+A provided a unique platform for Australians to directly engage with politicians and other prominent figures. Its demise leaves a void in the media landscape, potentially limiting opportunities for public participation in important debates.
• Impact on ABC Staff: The job cuts associated with the cancellation of Q+A will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the affected staff members and their families.
• Questions About the ABC's Future: The cancellation of Q+A raises broader questions about the future of the ABC and its role in Australian society. Will the broadcaster continue to prioritise traditional television programming, or will it shift its focus to online and digital platforms? Will it be able to maintain its independence in the face of increasing political and financial pressure?

Looking Ahead: What's Next for Australian Current Affairs?

The cancellation of Q+A marks the end of an era, but it also presents an opportunity for innovation and renewal in Australian current affairs programming.

• New Formats and Platforms: The ABC and other media organisations may explore new formats and platforms for engaging the public in current affairs discussions. This could include online forums, podcasts, social media campaigns, and interactive video programs.
• Focus on Digital Engagement: As more Australians consume news and information online, media organisations will need to prioritise digital engagement. This means creating content that is optimized for mobile devices, social media, and other digital platforms.
• Increased Collaboration: Media organisations may need to collaborate more closely with each other and with community groups to produce high-quality current affairs programming. This could involve sharing resources, co-producing content, and cross-promoting events.

While the future of Australian current affairs remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the need for informed, engaging, and accessible public discourse is as important as ever. The challenge for media organisations is to find new and innovative ways to meet this need in a rapidly changing media landscape. The legacy of Q+A will undoubtedly serve as a reminder of the power of public participation and the importance of providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard.