ABC cancels panellist show The Drum

The ABC has axed a popular panel discussion show, resulting in a number of job losses.

ABC Headquarters at Ulitmo in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

The ABC has axed popular panel discussion show The Drum after almost 15 years in production.

The final episode will air on Friday.

ABC News director Justin Stevens made the shock announcement in an email to all staff on Tuesday.

He said that the “difficult decision” would result in a number of job losses.

The ABC said the move was part of a wider restructure at the broadcaster, which would result in the ABC News Channel being disbanded and one executive position scrapped.

“The Drum began in 2010 and it went on to be groundbreaking in championing diversity on air, leading the way in finding new voices and inspiring other ABC teams to follow suit,” Mr Stevens said.

Julia Baird, pictured on The Drum, will remain with the ABC in a new role. Picture: Supplied

“It did this at a time when it was relatively uncommon to see diverse talent in our news programming.

“So much of the program’s pioneering work has now become an expectation for all our teams.”

Co-hosts Julia Baird and Ellen Fanning will remain with the ABC in new roles, along with Dan Bourchier who will join News Channel in a presenting role.

Braid, whose new role will include news writing as well as podcasting and video said it has been an “honour” hosting the program.

Ellen Fanning will remain in a new role within the ABC after The Drum gets the axe.

“The Drum has been an incredibly rewarding opportunity. It’s allowed me to do what I love most – talking to fascinating, smart people about what’s going on in the world,” she said.

Thanking The Drum’s loyal fan base, Ms Baird went on to say: “It’s time for me to move on to new ideas and new challenges at the ABC.”

Stevens has also said savings from discontinuing the program would be redirected to digital output.

Mr Stevens said “long-term audience trends” were part of the decision to axe the show.

“Stopping things does not diminish their previous value or contribution,” he said.

Originally published as ABC cancels panellist show The Drum