The ABC has released the Independent Review into ABC Systems and Processes in Support of Staff who Experience Racism and announced the next steps to improve those processes.

The Independent Review was announced by ABC Managing Director David Anderson in May 2023 and is informed by interviews with 120 current and former ABC staff. Led by Indigenous lawyer Dr Terri Janke, a Wuthathi, Yadhaighana and Meriam woman, the Listen Loudly, Act Strongly review has made 15 recommendations to improve the ABC’s systems and processes.

Mr Anderson has issued an apology to any current or former employee who has experienced racism and has committed the ABC to accept in principle all 15 recommendations. Mr Anderson also announced former Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan has been engaged to continue this work.

Mr Anderson told staff the testimonies provided to Dr Janke were disturbing and the details of racist behaviour were unacceptable to the ABC.

“On behalf of everyone at the ABC, I am sorry for any and all racist behaviour and past harms experienced by our Indigenous and CALD employees, either currently or formerly employed,” Mr Anderson told staff today.

“We all need to do better for our colleagues on our commitment to zero tolerance for racism in our workplace.

“We all need to do better for our colleagues by preventing or acting on behaviour that seeks to discriminate against, bully or demean them.

“We all need to do better for our colleagues by remaining vigilant against racism or discrimination of any kind in our workplace.”

The Review is available here and the 15 recommendations and the ABC’s response here. The ABC has also developed a list of Action Items, available here.

The Review was announced following public discussion and comments about racist behaviour at the ABC and how the organisation responds to acts of racism from within and outside the organisation.

The ABC commissioned the Review in response to calls for an independent and external process by senior ABC Indigenous staff and the ABC Bonner Committee (which advises the Managing Director on Indigenous matters). The Review also followed conversations with the ABC Indigenous, Diversity & Inclusion team.

The ABC will launch an internal campaign to raise awareness of racism and discrimination and to make it easier for staff to report instances of racism and discrimination. In addition to current anti-bullying and harassment training, and inclusion training, the ABC will begin specific anti-racism training with staff.

The ABC has also created a new role to lead this work, Director First Nations Strategy, to join the ABC’s Leadership Team reporting directly to the Managing Director, developing the plan to implement actions in response to the recommendations set out in the report. The ABC’s current Head of Indigenous, Diversity and Inclusion Kelly Williams has been asked to step into this role until a new Managing Director can initiate a recruitment process. However, the role will be ongoing.

The Review has acknowledged the work done by the ABC executive under Mr Anderson’s leadership to improve the ABC culture and the way the ABC manages and addresses racism within the organisation.

“As an organisation and as an industry we must learn from the experiences in the report and commit to work together to do better and rebuild the trust that has been eroded by the actions of some people,” Mr Anderson said.

“For anyone who thinks it is ok to display or practise racist behaviour, or who thinks they can make people feel belittled based on their identity, we will call you out and remove you from this organisation. You are not welcome here. We are a workplace that values respect, and we expect it.”

Chair of the ABC Bonner Committee Dan Bouchier said:  “Thank you to David Anderson for the courage to listen deeply and launch this review, and releasing Listen Loudly, Act Strongly today, and thanks to David and the Board for committing to implementing all recommendations.

“Dr Terri Janke and her team took great care in conducting this review – thank you.

“We are especially grateful to everyone who bravely shared their experiences, as well as what they saw as solutions to make the ABC stronger.

“I’m inspired to see Kelly Williams as the inaugural Director First Nations Strategy – and fully support her. We all back Kelly in the important work ahead, as she continues to build on the significant change she has already accomplished.

“I asked David to call for this review because it was clear there were big challenges. This report is a turning point and seeks to strengthen and reform the ABC.

“It’s a line in the sand – we need to do better.

“The ABC’s First Nations and CALD staff need this to be acted on across the organisation, and the Australian people expect more from the ABC, to ensure it remains the important institution it is.

“This review exposes the depth of the problems. To achieve the crucial work of Listen Loudly, Act Strongly will require the entire ABC to work to embed meaningful change.”

More Sydneysiders are tuning into Breakfast on ABC Radio Sydney with Craig Reucassel than ever before.

GfK survey 6 delivered Sydney Breakfast its highest share since Survey 6 2022 up 1.2 share points to 10.0% share. This result takes the program to #4 in the Sydney Breakfast market.

The program also added 10,000 listeners this survey for a reach of 265,000, the best result since Survey 7 2023.

Craig has been presenting ABC Radio Sydney Breakfast since January 2024. He is also known for his work with The Chaser and for presenting 3 seasons of the critically acclaimed War on Waste series on ABC TV.

Survey 6 also saw the ABC continue our uninterrupted position as Australia’s number 1 live streaming network and increasing our share by +0.2pts to 26.1%.

ABC Head of Audio Ben Latimer said: “Craig has dedicated himself fully to his debut year in Breakfast radio, and today’s result is a well-deserved reflection of his hard work and the efforts of the entire team.”

“To see a result this strong in his first year as presenter, particularly in the competitive Sydney Breakfast market, is testament to Craig’s ability to connect with the local audience.”

Today, we celebrate the announcement of the Australian Podcast Awards 2024 shortlist, highlighting the incredible homegrown talent shaping the podcasting scene! With 48% of Australians tuning in monthly, these podcasts not only entertain but also resonate deeply with everyday listeners.

Explore this year’s nominees and discover established and emerging voices from across Australia, including:

Change Happens (NSW)-tackling essential workplace issues that affect listeners daily.

Cost of Living Secrets (VIC)-offering practical financial advice for families navigating tough economic times.

Climate Mana (QLD)-championing sustainability and inspiring action among eco-conscious listeners.

Yawn – The Baby Sleep Training Podcast (WA)-providing valuable insights for new parents seeking better sleep solutions.

The Solutionists, with Mark Scott (SA)-showcasing innovative ideas that spark meaningful conversations.

This shortlist is a fantastic opportunity for your audience to connect with relatable stories and perspectives from local creators.

Listeners can also participate in the Listener’s Choice Award, allowing them to vote for their favorite podcasts and engage with the community around them.

For more information on shortlisters in your local area please reach out or head to www.australianpodcastawards.com

Radio Audience Measurement (Reports Archive)

Following the game-changing LiSTNR app update and the introduction of the industry-leading LiSTNR AdTech Hub, SCA has unveiled the LiSTNR Web Player Version 4 at play.listnr.com, continuing the tech innovation of the Australian-built, owned and operated digital audio ecosystem.

The Web Player advancements allow LiSTNR content to be consumed online anywhere and anytime on any device with a browser. This clearer, faster and more personal user experience also makes content easier to share on social platforms, through posts and direct messaging, a key driver for content discovery and audio consumption. In addition, LiSTNR has created a seamless transition between the app and the web with a new deep linking capability, ensuring that anyone with the app installed can easily use it to listen.

For advertisers, the LiSTNR Web Player Version 4 enables LiSTNR to continue to build its addressable audience by accelerating the transition from unknown to known users. In the fast-growing digital audio sector, LiSTNR has more than two million signed up users and provides unparalleled first-party data that delivers highly measurable advertising opportunities. This is the key to LiSTNR’s sales revenue growth and why LiSTNR is considered amongst the world’s best in terms of audio advertising.

SCA Executive Head LiSTNR Product & Technology, Chris Johnson, said: “The new LiSTNR Web Player, together with the updated LiSTNR App, creates a seamless user experience across a wide range of devices. The personalized platform makes it easy for audiences to find their favourites or continue where they left off. With the fully signed-in Web Player, advertisers can leverage our first-party data to achieve the same exceptional campaign performance they’re already experiencing on mobile.”

Find the new LiSTNR Web Player at play.listnr.com. To learn more about the LiSTNR Web Player advancements check out this video.

About LiSTNR:

LiSTNR is a curated and personalised, free app offering radio, podcasts, music, and sport, creating a new audio destination for all Australians. Featuring a fun and intuitive onboarding process, LiSTNR delivers an audio destination that is built for individual listeners’ routines and preferences. Highly personalised, it provides listeners a new world of audio entertainment, with their own daily feed of audio and easy discovery of new content through curated recommendations. Available across a large array of devices including both iOS and Android, CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Assistant and Alexa and Android TV, LiSTNR enables a fantastic listening experience, anytime and anywhere. Open your Ears to a new world of audio – download the free app today. LiSTNR.com