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David Speers becomes ABC National Political Lead

Insiders anchor to have a bigger presence in ABC political coverage, just weeks after the departure of Andrew Probyn.

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Insiders anchor David Speers has taken up an expanded role at ABC as its new National Political Lead.

Speers will have a bigger presence in ABC News’ political coverage across all platforms throughout the week, alongside 7.30 Chief Political Correspondent Laura Tingle.

The role comes just weeks after ABC retrenched its Chief Political Editor Andrew Probyn, with news director Justin Stevens indicating the broadcaster did not need the role.

“David Speers is a hugely respected political journalist and with his Insiders responsibilities now based in Canberra full-time we have the opportunity to better utilise his vast experience during the rest of the week,” Justin Stevens said.

“The ABC plays a vital role in scrutinising our federal policy and politicians and we plan to bring that coverage to more Australians across all ABC News services.”

This Sunday Insiders starts broadcasting from its new base in Canberra in a recently upgraded ABC Canberra studio.
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“It’s terrific to have the program that’s all about the nation’s politics now based right in the centre of the action,” Speers said.

“As Australians wrestle with hugely important issues around the cost of living, housing, climate change, the Indigenous Voice, and many others, the Insiders team will be on the ground to help them navigate how the policies and politics are impacting the nation and people’s lives.

“I’m also really pleased to have an expanded presence within the bureau. The ABC Parliament House team is a powerhouse of incredibly talented and dedicated journalists. It’s a privilege to be part of this team and I look forward to working even more closely with everyone.”

Insiders screens each Sunday at 9am on ABC and ABC News.

7 Responses

  1. Andrew Probyn has become the sacrificial lamb to elevate David “everywhere” Speers to the newly created national political lead role. Surely the ABC, which claims it is a serious news organization, is big enough to accommodate both Probyn and Speers.

  2. I think David is a good choice..I enjoyed his style of mediation and I just hope he doesn’t get nasty vicious, vile and outright vindictive comments that people posted on YouTube via live chat last time he hosted the show again…it is not necessary when all he is doing is he job…there’s no need to get so personal if you don’t like someone because everyone has the opinion of just switching off….I was appalled at some of the comments which I think were immature and very childish…I assume they came from people who just don’t know any better that like to hide behind a screen because of the anonymity that it gives them…when in fact IMO they are just cowards.

  4. It makes absolute sense to me to give Speersy more to do. At Sky he was on air for a few hours every day 5 days a week, then on Sunday morning as well. He is a terrific journalist and presenter and versatile which is what all the ABC hosts need to be to survive it seems. I liked Andrew Probyn since his Insiders appearances when he was with The West Australian. Laura Tingle may be next if she doesn’t meet their requirements. Filing one 6 minute wrap each night used to be enough to justify a position there. Not sure it does now.

  5. Speers is an excellent choice, and he’s not being well used at the moment — hosting the odd Q&A and talking to a panel of journalists on Sunday Morning. Making someone redundant and then filling their position is an instant unfair dismissal case. Lead better reflects the fact that here is no editorial authority at the ABC, except for Ita as nominal Chief Editor who has to step in when they really screw up.

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