‘The world has changed': ABC axes political panel show Q+A after 18 years
The public broadcaster announced on Wednesday that it would 'discontinue Q+A after an outstanding 18-year run and look to new ways to facilitate discussion and elevate voices from around the country'.
The ABC's news director Justin Stevens said in a statement he was 'very proud of Q+A 's great achievements over the years'.
'The team has done a terrific job, including a strong performance during the federal election campaign,' he said.
'Discontinuing the program at this point is no reflection on anyone on the show.
'We always need to keep innovating and renewing, and in the two decades since Q+A began, the world has changed. It's time to rethink how audiences want to interact and to evolve how we can engage with the public to include as many Australians as possible in national conversations. We'll be working on how we can continue to foster engagement of this nature in an innovative way.'
Stevens said the ABC would be investing in more documentaries and building on 'high-end programs' such as the political documentaries Killing Season and Nemesis.
The broadcaster is also advertising the new position of executive producer, documentaries and specials.
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