ABC apologises to Stan Grant, announces it will review its response to racism

The ABC has apologised to Stan Grant after he announced on Friday that he would be stepping away from hosting Q+A due to racial abuse. 

See Also: Stan Grant to leave Q+A, citing racist abuse after ABC’s coronation coverage

On Sunday afternoon, ABC managing director David Anderson apologised to Grant, calling the attacks he had been subjected to "sickening behaviour". He also announced that the ABC will review its response to racism.

"Stan has our full support. And he has always had our full support. Stan makes an enormous contribution to conversations of national importance," Anderson said.

"Stan Grant has stated that he has not felt publicly supported. For this, I apologise to Stan. The ABC endeavours to support its staff in the unfortunate moments when there is external abuse directed at them."

Anderson went on to address the media coverage that has surrounded the ABC since the coronation of King Charles III.

"The ABC is never above scrutiny or criticism. However, the nature of the anti-ABC reporting from some commercial media outlets is sustained and vitriolic," Anderson said. 

"This has real-world consequences for ABC presenters and journalists who are personally attacked and vilified."

The ABC’s advisory body on issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities has recommended a review into the ABC’s responses to racism affecting staff, which Anderson says he has accepted. 

"This review will build on our work as the first media organisation to have an Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan," Anderson said.

"The next version of this will be released in the coming months, as will our new Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan."

On Friday, Stan Grant announced that Monday 22nd will mark his final episode hosting Q+A, and that he will be stepping back from writing columns for the ABC.

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Top Image: Stan Grant