ABC returns Q&A live to News 24

ABC has announced Q&A will return to ABC News 24 Live across the country from tonight.

The move was recommended in the recent ABC review.

On ABC News 24 it can now be seen at 9:05pm in SA, 8.35pm in Queensland, 8:05pm in the NT and 6.35pm in WA. This means all viewers can join the conversation in real time, including via Twitter. It also remains at 9:35pm locally on ABC and is streamed Live on iview.

As a result viewers in those states & territories will no longer see Lateline on News 24 on Monday nights, but view it in its later timeslot on ABC.

Director of News Gaven Morris said: “We are excited to welcome Q&A to the News Division and delighted to be able to offer this very popular program live across Australia once again.

“As Australia gears up for a fascinating federal election, Q&A’s role as a forum for public democracy has never been more vital.”

In NSW, ACT, Victoria and Tasmania Q&A will continue to air on ABC with Lateline airs on News 24 at 9.30pm AEST and later on ABC.

Meanwhile Q&A will also spend more time on the road this year, another recommendation from its internal review. ABC promises a minimum of 16 episodes broadcast outside its home studio, from locations including Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and regional centres.

The program is also looking at ways to help more people participate, including questions to the panel through Skype, Facebook, Twitter and other social media.

Detailed data on every program will be published weekly on its website.

Executive Producer Peter McEvoy said: “We are always looking for new ways to make Q&A even better and involve more Australians in debate and discussion around the big issues facing our country.”