Australia’s national broadcaster has published an internal investigation finding ‘systemic’ racism within its ranks, prompting an apology from its chief executive to all current and former staff.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) review was announced last year after prominent Indigenous presenter Stan Grant stepped down from his anchoring duties and accused the network of failing to publicly defend him against racist attacks.
Those attacks intensified around Grant’s comments at King Charles’ coronation, in which he shared the devastating impact of colonization on Australia’s First Nations people.
The report published on Tuesday, titled ‘Listen Loudly, Act Strongly’, shows that ‘systemic’ racism exists within the ABC and that staff members also experience racism from external sources.
Of the 120 staff interviewed by external consultants, only one said they had not personally experienced racism. However, that person said he was “aware of racism at the ABC.”
“This response overwhelmingly indicates that racism exists within the ABC workplace, and that ABC staff are exposed to racism from outside individuals and organizations in connection with their work,” the report said.
Staff members interviewed described overt racism, including racial slurs and derogatory comments, as well as covert racism that hindered their career advancement and made them feel like the workplace was not culturally safe, the report said.
Some said they were not given opportunities because it was believed they were hired to meet diversity goals.
The review made 15 recommendations, including that the broadcaster commit to being “proactively anti-racist” and carrying out pay audits for Indigenous and minority staff.
In a statement, ABC CEO David Anderson apologized to existing and former staff members and pledged to remove racist employees from the networks’ ranks.
“For anyone who thinks it is okay to exhibit or practice racist behavior, or who thinks they can make people feel slighted based on their identity, we will remove you from this organization,” he said.
‘You’re not welcome here. We are a workplace where respect is paramount, and we expect it.”
The ABC receives government funding but retains editorial control over television, radio and online programs with a remit to deliver information that reflects Australian viewers. It employs thousands of people across agencies in regional areas and city centres.
Grant, a former CNN journalist, resigned from the ABC last August to take up a position at a university he has since left.
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