ABC Friends has expressed its dismay at the hostile and racist abuse to which Stan Grant has been subjected in some mainstream media and online. Read our statement below.
ABC Friends is disappointed to learn that Stan Grant will be suspending his current roles with the ABC. We are very disturbed that he has been the subject of hostile and often racist abuse. There is a place for constructive commentary and critique about the work of all journalists, but abusive comments, particularly with racist elements, are completely unacceptable.
ABC Friends acknowledges and appreciates Stan’s professionalism and expertise as a journalist of long standing. We also note the immense contribution he has made to increasing our understanding of national and international issues through his reporting and commentary. The ABC and all Australians who value quality journalism will feel the loss of his contributions.
We applaud the public support that ABC colleagues have given to Stan and welcome the decision by the ABC to conduct a review into its response to racism affecting staff. It is crucially important that ABC management demonstrate public and steadfast support for employees as they strive to uphold the highest journalistic standards at the ABC.
See Stan Grant’s moving statement on Q & A.
Listen to this interview with Suzanne Dredge, Head of Indigenous News at the ABC by Patricia Karvelas on the need to respect difference voices in our media and call out racism in the media.