The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Sydney station is facing significant internal and external criticism after confirming an all-male presenter lineup across its key daytime slots through to 2026.
Management Response and Diversity Concerns
The controversy emerged following Chris Bath's unexpected departure after just one year hosting the Drive slot, with her replacement Thomas Oriti joining a roster that already included Craig Reucassel on Breakfast, Hamish Macdonald on Mornings, and James Valentine on Afternoons.
ABC's director of audio, Ben Latimer, acknowledged the situation requires attention, stating "there is always more to do" on diversity matters. He defended the corporation's broader record by highlighting women presenters on other networks including Sally Sara on RN Breakfast and Sabra Lane on AM.
Internal Staff Dismay and Industry Reaction
Within the organisation, staff have expressed shock at the dearth of female presenters on the flagship Sydney station. This disappointment follows last year's angry reaction when Sarah Macdonald was replaced by Hamish Macdonald in the Mornings slot.
Prominent journalist and academic Dr Helen Vatsikopoulos voiced strong criticism, stating "The ABC, while it continues to pursue its various diversity objectives, has completely forgotten about half the population." She suggested the station missed an opportunity to reinstate popular presenter Sarah Macdonald or consider Antoinette Lattouf.
Former ABC News presenter Juanita Phillips highlighted deeper cultural issues, noting on social media that "The disappearance of smart, capable women over 50 from ABC screens and airwaves has been happening for many years" and describing it as an "entrenched culture."
Broader Context and Structural Challenges
The ABC's own Diversity & Inclusion annual report reveals women comprise 55.8% of the workforce and hold 57.1% of executive positions, exceeding the 50% target. However, Commonwealth data shows a significant gender pay gap with men paid nearly 10% more than women across the organisation.
Sources within the organisation point to broader structural problems, noting that ABC local radio is chronically under-resourced with presenters hampered by a casualised workforce and producers on short-term contracts. The lack of dedicated panel operators and technical support has been raised as ongoing concerns.
New South Wales Greens MP Cate Faehrmann captured the external frustration, commenting on social media that "This is not 1982. This is not one of the blokey shock jock commercial stations that we perhaps expect this type of programming from. This is our public broadcaster that should know better."
Chris Bath will remain with the ABC hosting a Sunday morning show broadcast across NSW, while Thomas Oriti moves from hosting ABC NewsRadio's national breakfast program and Background Briefing on Radio National to take the key Drive slot.
