ABC News refreshes schedule for 2018

ABC News channel has confirmed its new schedule for 2018, which sees a new primetime show Matter of Fact for Stan Grant, Planet America extends to a 45 minute edition, whilst Patricia Karvelas fronts National Wrap on Sundays.

The Drum expands to 45 minutes, The Business moves to 9:45pm and Karina Carvalho joins the presenting line-up 7pm-9pm.

ABC Director, News Gaven Morris said it was the channel’s biggest shake-up since its July 2010 launch.

“ABC News channel specialises in facts, not opinions, and the changes we are introducing this year strengthen that focus,” Morris said.

“In a complex and dynamic world, Australians want to know they are getting the best and most accurate news and information, from a source they can rely on, as it happens.”

In 2018 ABC News channel, the most-watched 24-hour breaking news service, is doubling down on its commitment to provide Australia’s best and most trusted live news, analysis, context and discussion, delivered by our respected journalists and with an exciting new prime-time line-up.

Starting Monday 29 January, 9:00pm AEDT becomes appointment viewing time seven nights a week for a deep dive into the big stories and issues.

With Australia’s largest network of journalists in 56 locations around the country, the best political journalism team, and peerless foreign correspondents based in 11 overseas bureaux, ABC News is Australia’s leading live news channel.

ABC News channel will also draw on the resources of two newly-formed teams: ABC Investigations, Australia’s largest dedicated investigative daily news team, and the Specialist Reporting Team, which brings in-depth knowledge to a range of core rounds.

Reaching an average of 3.4 million people every week (metro + regional), it is the place Australians turn when major news breaks at home or abroad, to see the latest developments unfold and have their impact explained.

In Matter of Fact, award-winning journalist, author and commentator Stan Grant brings audiences the essential information they need to separate facts from fiction on the important issues of the day, with analysis and key interviews. The program will also feature regular contributors covering the economy, technology, history, music and the arts.

“There is too much opinion for opinion’s sake, too much public debate that is just about who can shout the longest or loudest,” Grant says.

“Australians are smart people who are tapped into the world. Matter of Fact will respect that intelligence, not just stoke more anger. If you think you know something, then think again – that’s what I want this show to be about.”

On Saturdays, Matter of Fact This Week will feature highlights of the week’s best conversations.

In National Wrap, top journalist and RN Drive presenter Patricia Karvelas hosts a sharp, interview-based national affairs program that will set the agenda for the week. Topics ranging from reconciliation and the republic to students’ performance in schools will be interrogated by experts and leaders in their fields.

“Audiences are increasingly looking for context and explanation – National Wrap provides it,” Karvelas says. “You will see our most influential politicians and advocates cross-examined about their plans, going beyond the immediate news cycle to shine a light on the end game.

“Particularly among younger audiences, there is often an assumption that politics and national affairs are dry or too dense. National Wrap makes the important topics accessible and relatable.”

Other highlights of the revamped 2018 schedule include an expanded 45-minute format for popular panel show The Drum, with Julia Baird and Ellen Fanning sharing hosting duties.

The Business moves to 9:45pm AEDT weeknights, with Elysse Morgan continuing to bring the key interviews with CEOs and other industry leaders.

Karina Carvalho, one of the ABC’s most talented news presenters, joins the presenting line-up 7:00pm-9:00pm AEDT on weekdays. After a new-look The World with Beverley O’Connor, Yvonne Yong hosts a national news hour at 11pm from Melbourne, followed by more live national programming out of Perth.

From Saturday 3 February at 7:00am AEDT Andrew Geoghegan will be joined on Weekend Breakfast by new co-presenter Johanna Nicholson, with Miriam Corowa presenting across weekends and contributing to Indigenous and arts coverage.

All times AEDT:

6am-9am
News Breakfast

9am-12pm
Mornings with Joe O’Brien

12pm-3pm
ABC News with Ros Childs

3pm-6:15pm
Afternoons with Kirsten Aiken W-F/ Gemma Vaness (M-T)

6:15pm
The Drum (New 45-minute format)

7pm: ABC National News
7:30pm: Regional/feature segments
8pm: National News Hour
9pm Matter of Fact with Stan Grant

9pm Fridays Planet America (new 45-minute format)

9pm Sundays The National Wrap with Patricia Karvelas
9:45pm The Business with Elysse Morgan

10pm The World with Beverley O’Connor
11pm National News Hour with Yvonne Yong
12am National News 30 min
12:30pm (Replay) 7.30
1am National News 13 mins
1:15am (Replay) Matter of Fact
2am National News 13 mins
2:15am (Replay) The Drum