The ABC has cancelled its primetime panel show The Drum after more than a decade on air, citing long-term audience trends and budget pressures. The program, which began in 2010 as part of ABC News 24, will end after this week.
ABC news director Justin Stevens said the decision was 'no reflection on the achievements of the team over the years', adding that the show had been a successful platform for unearthing new talent. 'Stopping things does not diminish their previous value or contribution,' he said.
The three main hosts – Julia Baird, Ellen Fanning and Dan Bourchier – will remain with the ABC in other roles. Baird will combine writing, podcasting and video; Fanning will work on Brisbane radio and present from the Queensland newsroom; and Bourchier will join the ABC News Channel as a presenter. Fewer than five positions will be made redundant.
The ABC said the 6pm timeslot was 'crucial for determining the main channel audience across the evening', and the change will allow the news channel to focus on continuous news, breaking news and news video production. There will also be a stronger focus on digital audiences and an expansion of the Asia Pacific newsroom.
Stevens noted the broadcaster was 'constantly grappling with budget pressures and rising costs', and the changes were about positioning for success. The cancellation follows a major restructure in June that cut 120 jobs, including political editor Andrew Probyn.
