By Nakiwala Barbra
Australia’s national broadcaster, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), has issued a public apology after an internal review revealed “systemic” racism within the organization, affecting both current and former employees. The findings have prompted calls for urgent cultural reforms.
The release of the report, titled “Listen Loudly, Act Strongly,” marks a critical moment in Australia’s media landscape, shedding light on the deeply ingrained racial challenges within one of the nation’s most respected institutions.
The review revealed that racism is widespread at the ABC, with 119 out of 120 interviewed staff confirming they had personally experienced or witnessed racial discrimination within the workplace. The revelations come amid growing scrutiny of racism across Australian media, following high-profile resignations and public outcry over the treatment of minority journalists.
ABC Managing Director David Anderson publicly apologized to staff on Tuesday, acknowledging the severity of the issue and pledging to make the ABC a more culturally safe space. “No one should experience racism in any form, let alone in their workplace,” Anderson stated. “This report makes clear that we have much work to do, and we are committed to addressing this.”
The review was commissioned in the aftermath of Indigenous journalist Stan Grant’s resignation in May 2023. Grant, a well-known ABC news anchor, stepped down following a barrage of racist abuse after his commentary on the colonial history behind King Charles III’s coronation. Grant’s departure spotlighted the issue of racism within Australian media and prompted ABC to confront its own internal issues.
The report highlighted various forms of racism faced by ABC employees, from overt slurs and derogatory remarks to more subtle behaviors that hindered career advancement. Employees reported feeling that the organization lacked cultural safety, with many minority staff expressing concern that their professional contributions were undervalued or overlooked.
The report also found that external racism, such as harassment by individuals or organizations ABC staff interacted with during their work, added to the hostile environment.
The findings emphasize the need for systemic changes at ABC, both internally and externally. This includes not only combating racism within the workplace but also ensuring that the network takes stronger stands against public racism directed at its journalists.
The ABC’s apology and the release of the report have sparked wider discussions about racism within the Australian media industry. The findings come as media organizations globally are being called upon to address inequities and provide safer, more inclusive environments for minority employees. In Australia, where racial tensions have long simmered, this report could serve as a catalyst for more significant changes across media outlets and beyond.
ABC’s leadership has vowed to implement reforms based on the recommendations in the review, but the road to recovery may be long. For many of its staff, the findings validate the experiences they’ve endured for years, but there is cautious optimism about what comes next. As Anderson noted in his apology, “This is a moment for us to listen, learn, and act strongly.”
The report serves as a reminder that systemic racism is not confined to any one industry but can permeate even organizations built on principles of fairness and impartiality. The pressure is now on ABC to lead by example in tackling racism and fostering an inclusive work environment.
