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Stan Grant quits ABC

"I will always consider ABC family," says former Q+A host who takes up a new a role with Monash University.

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Updated:

Stan Grant has quit ABC, the broadcaster has confirmed.

In a note to staff, News Director Justin Stevens said, “I want to let you know that Stan Grant has decided to leave the ABC to take up a new opportunity as Asia-Pacific director of the Denmark-based Constructive Institute in conjunction with Monash University.

“This is a role that clearly aligns with Stan’s desire to lead a conversation in Australian media about how media can foster a more constructive and kinder discourse.

“We respect Stan’s decision and we hope he will still be a contributor for the ABC in the future from this new role. The ethos behind it aligns with our endeavour to make our journalism more constructive at a time where the media sector is seeing increasing levels of news avoidance and news fatigue.”

Stan Grant said: “The ABC is precious to me and so are its people. For now I need to go in a different direction but I will always consider ABC family. I look forward to working with you all again some time.”

Stevens added, “I would like to pay my personal respects and gratitude to Stan for being a truth teller, a courageous voice for many, and a teacher and mentor.”

Earlier:

Broadcaster Stan Grant is no longer a fulltime employee at ABC, SKY News is reporting.

SKY News political editor, Andrew Clennell, said Grant told him there was “no bad blood” with the broadcaster.

“Stan Grant’s confirmed to me he has resigned from the ABC as a permanent staffer,” Clennell said. “He says he did this weeks ago. He says, ‘There’s no big deal. I want to do other things. No bad blood. Love the ABC,’ and he’ll collaborate with them in the future. I just have other things to do.”

Grant stepped down as Q+A host in May as 8 weeks leave, following ongoing social media abuse and headlines.

A month ago ABC indicated he would not return as host but would move onto new projects at the broadcaster.

Clennell says if that happens it would likely be “on a freelance basis.”

Grant also told Guardian Australia he had walked away from both the ABC and the media after four decades because he wants to change the toxic global news culture by working on something constructive.

Grant has been appointed as the inaugural Director of the Constructive Institute Asia Pacific in the Faculty of Arts at Monash University leading projects and debates fostering media integrity.

Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Katie Stevenson, said, “There is no better person to lead the advocacy for a more solutions-focused, democratic approach to journalism. Beyond the Institute’s mission, our media students will have the privilege of drawing upon Stan’s rich experience and knowledge of media, and his passion to change news culture for the better.”

Stan Grant said, “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for me. It aligns with my values and draws on my 40 years in journalism, as well as my commitment to doing public interest journalism better in a way that serves the public at a time when the stakes couldn’t be higher for our country and for the world.”

This post updates.

13 Responses

  1. I am sure I am not alone in saying I will truly miss seeing Stan Grant on The ABC. Not only was he a great truth teller; he was and still is an amazing voice on all things foreign. I remember well ABC’s coverage of the tumultuous 2020 US Presidential Election and how Stan was such a great resource. I’ll never forget him on Q & A “removing” a pro-Russian propagandist who advocated violence. That was courageous. I am so sorry he and many other journalists have copped so much abuse and I sincerely hope another great ABC journalist, Patricia Karvelas, prevails at Q & A until her permanent replacement is chosen (if that has not yet been decided). Personally, I do worry about Q & A as it’s such good work although a bit of a meat grinder for the hosts. Let’s all focus on facts and treat each other with decency and respect. Good journey, Stan!

  2. So typical of journalists loves to dish it out, and when its on the other foot, they cry foul.

    Q&A used to be good, unscripted uncensored. When Stan Grant, pulled up a person cause they changed their question during a Q&A, for changing their question.

    That’s when that show lost a lot of credibility.

    Tony Jones hosted Q&A, it was unscripted and live. Perhaps they need to go back to that motto.

  3. Whilst I was not much of a fan of Stan Grant…this is an absolute shame that he has decided to leave a place he liked to work…this IMO is very clear what toxic remarks can to a person and wear them down to the point they feel it is best to leave a job they like…I can never understand why people have to be so cruel because they don’t agree or dislike a person…that is not a sign of maturity and is a reflection on them and their behaviour who do …I hope Stan finds some peace away from the public and enjoys his new job…and I wish him good luck in the future.

  4. Firstly, all the best Stan. I hope you find a quieter & more peaceful life at Monash Uni. You; nor anyone else, did not deserve such treatment.

    The Guardian article on this ends with:

    “The show is being hosted for the rest of the year by Patricia Karvelas but is not expected to be commissioned in 2024. The ABC has not confirmed the future of the show.”

    Given all the ups & mostly downs Q+A has experienced since Tony Jones departed, I highly suspect this may very well be true.

    Anything to add, David?

  5. Good luck to him… and as for ” the media sector seeing increasing levels of news avoidance and news fatigue “, could it be the average person is overtired of the politically biased BS we’ve been fed for the past decade or two ?

    1. I’m sure he will greyghost, Stan is very erudite and personable, and he’s lucky to have such career opportunities offered to him, Monash University must also think they are doing well having him.

  7. Very sad that its come to this. I will always respect him. To me he was equal with Tony Llewellyn Jones. I will miss him on the abc. I wish Stan Grant all the very best in his life and work endeavours. He will be always be missed from the abc/channel 2. He most certainly did a lot over the years.

  9. I think it’s a good move for all parties. A shame things ended the way they did but this is for the best and I wish him well. The national broadcaster continues to go from strength to strength and will without him there too.

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