Ita Buttrose, the former chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), shared her views on immigration during her recent book tour for her memoir, Unapologetically Ita. In an online interview with Professor Henry Brodaty from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Buttrose expressed concerns about the current state of multiculturalism in Australia.
She stated, “I think we’re more divided… I don’t think the multicultural society that we’ve spoken about so proudly in Australia is working as well as it could be.” Buttrose emphasized the importance of adapting to Australian values, noting that newcomers should strive to integrate into the culture of their new home.
During the conversation, the 83-year-old media figure also highlighted her pride in maintaining a neutral political stance throughout her career, stating that “no one had ever known what my politics were.”
In a notable return to television, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently fulfilled a promise made during a 2015 interview with comedian Tom Gleeson. After a decade, he appeared on Gleeson’s segment, Hard Chat, recorded in Canberra. Gleeson, who had retired the segment five years prior, stated, “I thought the first ever Hard Chat with a sitting prime minister was worth coming back for.” The Prime Minister’s office confirmed the interview took place, sharing images of Albanese with his dog, Toto, during the recording.
ABC’s Programming and Future Plans
Meanwhile, the ABC announced an exciting lineup of new programs for 2026, which includes a drama about the controversial robodebt scheme and a miniseries focused on Indigenous tennis star Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Managing Director Hugh Marks expressed enthusiasm for the 60 premium television series set to air, an increase from 43 in 2025.
The director of the ABC’s screen division, Jennifer Collins, noted the growing audience demand for Australian stories. “There’s a real appreciation that they’re seeing Australian stories on the screen,” she said, highlighting the importance of representation in media.
Collins specifically mentioned the upcoming projects, including Dustfall, starring Anna Torv, and Shakedown, which aims to address the human impact of the robodebt scandal. “It’s one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in Australian history,” she remarked, emphasizing the focus on personal stories connected to the issue.
The ABC also plans to expand its documentary offerings, including Tampa: The Boat That Turned the Tide and a series examining landmark court cases in Australia.
Challenges and Changes at the ABC
Following criticism from the media, Marks addressed the situation at the National Press Club, asserting that the ABC remains a “precious national asset.” He highlighted the need for the organization to adapt to the changing media landscape, which includes a rise in short-form content for platforms like TikTok.
Director of ABC News Justin Stevens announced the launch of ABC News Loop, which aims to deliver fact-based news on social media. “These platforms are rife with opinion, misinformation and disinformation,” he stated, stressing the importance of providing reliable information to audiences.
In a separate matter, the ABC has been investigating former bikie turned reporter Mahmood Fazal for his participation in a podcast associated with an online casino. An ABC spokesperson clarified that while Fazal’s immediate manager initially endorsed his involvement, the interview did not receive final approval according to internal guidelines.
This incident follows the costly Antoinette Lattouf saga, which resulted in expenses exceeding $2.5 million for the ABC. Marks acknowledged the lessons learned from these challenges, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations in the future.
In another significant development, Sam Groth, the former Australian tennis player and current Victorian Liberal Party deputy leader, received an apology from the Herald Sun following a series of articles that suggested problematic aspects of his personal life. The publication acknowledged the articles had caused distress to Groth and his family and removed the offending content.
As these stories unfold, the ABC continues to navigate the complexities of media reporting and public expectations while striving to present meaningful content that resonates with its audience.
