Charlie Pickering has been a constant presence on Australian screens for much of this century. The comedian and broadcaster now takes on a new radio gig, discusses his ADHD diagnosis, and criticizes online discourse.
From Skateboarding Teen to Media Staple
Pickering recalls his teenage years spent skateboarding in Melbourne's arts precinct, particularly around a wave-like steel sculpture called Forward Surge. 'As a teenager, I would almost every weekend get kicked out of here,' he says. The skateboarding-obsessed teen has since evolved into a genial man nearing 50, with a career in current affairs and comedy that has spanned decades.
Pickering's early ambition was clear: 'I always had that performative attention-seeking element. I was trying to put on shows when I was about four.' After graduating with an arts law degree, he spent only a week at a law firm before pursuing standup comedy. His parents, both pharmacists, were supportive despite their concerns.
Career Highlights and ADHD Diagnosis
Pickering became an original host of The Project, a Gen X team captain on Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation, and has hosted the news satire program The Weekly on the ABC since 2015. Despite his success, he struggled with a feeling of underachievement until an ADHD diagnosis three years ago. 'When I got diagnosed I understood that I had been using all of this extra time to catch up,' he explains. The diagnosis brought grief but also clarity, helping him make peace with past decisions.
Pickering's passion for his work remains undimmed: 'I could just keep working and working … I love every minute of what I do.'
New Radio Role and Social Media Critique
In addition to his weekly radio show Thank God It's Friday!, Pickering now hosts Drive on ABC Radio Melbourne. He initially questioned whether he was 'grownup enough for it yet,' but sees the role as being 'interested in the world' rather than claiming to be a journalist.
Pickering is vocal about social media's negative impact. 'There's such a lie about social media. There's no context, but there's the illusion of connection,' he says. He describes algorithms designed to generate anger and division as 'a really sinister way to run a business.' He also criticizes the 'clip economy,' where soundbites are taken out of context, undermining democracy by preventing sustained attention on important issues.
Viral Incident and Reflection
Pickering recently found himself at the center of a viral moment when confronted by right-wing provocateur Avi Yemini outside the ABC studio. Yemini questioned him about the hiring of Grace Tame to host a podcast on autism, referencing her controversial comments on Israel and Gaza. Pickering, who converted to Judaism, said he found some of Tame's language 'problematic' as a Jewish Australian. The comment was clipped and went viral.
Pickering clarifies that he is a 'huge fan of Grace Tame' and that his comments were taken out of context. He was trying to engage with protesters critical of ABC bias. 'I was ambushed, essentially,' he says. An ABC investigation later found he had not breached its code of conduct. 'I probably should have just walked away. But we live and learn.'
