Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
National

ABC staff rally in show of support for Stan Grant

ABC staff gather outside the organisation's Sydney headquarters in support of Stan Grant.  (ABC News: Keana Naughton )

ABC staff have rallied in a show of support for veteran Indigenous journalist Stan Grant, who last week announced he would step away from media commitments due to racial abuse.

ABC news director Justin Stevens told a crowd of hundreds outside the organisation's Sydney headquarters "enough is enough".

"The line in the sand is here, and we will not tolerate our staff being subjected to racial abuse, or any form of abuse. It must stop," Stevens said. 

"I would say, other sections of the media that play a part in facilitating, encouraging, or drawing attention to this ... need to take a really good hard look at themselves and the role they play.

"We all stand with Stan. The abuse he copped is abhorrent and egregious and needs to stop.

"I'm incredibly sorry that he felt let down by our organisation, that we could have done better by him in defending him.

"We will do all we can to make up for it from this moment. 

"It's important we create a safe space for Indigenous and diverse journalists."

Lowanna Grant says racial abuse towards First Nations journalists is an ongoing issue.  (ABC News: Keana Naughton)

Grant's daughter and NITV journalist Lowanna Grant became emotional as she told the crowd in Sydney about the toll the abuse had taken on her family.

"It's really hard to see him struggling, and that he's had to cop the racism and disgusting filth that's been online," she said. 

"I'm so grateful to everyone here today who is supporting him, and not just my dad but all other First Nation's journalists."

SBS journalist Karla Grant, the broadcaster's first wife, told the crowd in Sydney racial abuse was an ongoing issue for Indigenous reporters, and her family.

"It's an accumulation of years of years of racism our people have had to face," she said.

"Enough is enough and we have to take a stand."

ABC staff walked out of offices across Australia in solidarity with Stan Grant.  (ABC News: Keana Naughton)

ABC Head of Indigenous News Suzanne Dredge called this a "turning point" for media organisations. 

"We need everybody to stand up and say enough is enough," Ms Dredge said. 

"We are allowed to do our jobs, without experiencing racism."

In his weekly column published on Friday, Stan Grant said that since appearing as a guest on ABC's coverage of the coronation of King Charles III, he had been subjected to intense abuse inspired by "distorted media coverage".

He said he had "had enough", and criticised the ABC for not supporting him after being targeted by racial abuse.

Grant announced he would be stepping away from hosting current affairs program Q+A, and would cease writing weekly columns.  

Stan Grant last week announced he would step away from his media commitments. (ABC News)

On Sunday afternoon, ABC managing director David Anderson said the organisation would review its response to racism affecting staff, and offered an apology to Grant. 

"Stan Grant has stated that he has not felt publicly supported. For this, I apologise to Stan," Mr Anderson said. 

"Stan has our full support. And he has always had our full support. Stan makes an enormous contribution to conversations of national importance." 

Stevens issued a statement on Friday, calling the abuse towards Grant "abhorrent and unacceptable".

"The ABC stands by him and condemns the attacks directed towards him. The ABC has and will continue to refer any threats to police."

ABC News director Justin Stevens called the abuse of Stan Grant abhorrent and egregious.  (ABC News: Keana Naughton)
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.