Australians react to final ever episode of cancelled ABC show The Drum

After 13 years on air, the hosts abruptly announced the show’s cancellation two days before the final episode.

Australians have shared a mix of emotions after the final episode of a recently axed ABC show, with some begging for its return.

The last ever episode of The Drum hit the airwaves on Friday after a 13 year show run on the national broadcaster, following the shock announcement on Wednesday that it was being cancelled.

In her opening remarks during Friday nights program, host Julia Baird set the tone for the episode by saying: “As we near the end of a year marked by economic hardship and global conflict, we focus on hope.”

People took to social media to share their emotions and reactions to the ABC’s stalwart weekly program being scrapped.

Julia Baird hosted the final The Drum episode after 13 years on the ABC. Picture: ABC

“I can’t believe #TheDrum has been axed. #SaveTheDrum,” one person wrote in a post to X – formerly known as Twitter.

“After 13 years, I got quite emotional watching the final edition tonight. I will miss it very much,” a second user wrote.

“My 4yo has been watching on since she was brand new,” a third said.

“She responds even more positively to #TheDrum intro than she does to the Bluey intro, which is saying something.”

A few people expressed their frustration that the ABC had not given them any time to launch a petition to save the program, with some suggesting other programs could have been placed on the chopping block.

Political reporter Amy Remeikis returned to the panel. Picture: ABC

National Voice for Our Children chief executive Catherine Liddle spoke about the Voice referendum. Picture: ABC

“I really hope many people are making complaints to @ABCaustralia complaints page, re: dropping ABC The Drum!,” one person said.

“This show is so important to me and I’m devastated about the loss of it. They didn’t even give us time to mount a challenge,” one X user wrote.

“Very upset that #TheDrum is being axed! Let’s axe #Insiders instead,” another user wrote.

A petition launched on Change.org has amassed more than 4,200 signatures campaigning for the show to stay, as of the final episode being aired.

ABC's #TheDrum has been axed. Which program would you prefer the ABC axe? #JournalismMatters

— Peter Murphy (@PeterWMurphy1) December 12, 2023

The final panel was bolstered by appearances from former host and political journalist Annabel Crabb to show regulars TV chef Adam Liaw, Guardian Australia political reporter Amy Remeikis, and Indigenous rights activist Catherine Liddle.

The first topic of discussion for the panel was “hope”; how they find it and what it looks like.

The conversation then segued into Ms Baird asking Ms Liddle how she found hope after a “trying” year for Indigenous Australians.

“Oh, it’s been a tough year. But I think hope is what got us through it, to be perfectly honest,” Ms Liddle replied.

Ms Baird said she was astounded at Ms Liddle’s ability to speak on national television while dealing with “cascading emotions” on the night of the Voice to parliament Referendum.

“It makes me a bit sad, actually,” she said as her eyes started to well with tears.

“Yeah, that was an incredible moment in time because, you know, it’s one thing to get a result … But what came next, speaking about it, was horrific. And everyone’s stomachs just dropped.”

Chef Adam Liaw and former host Annabel Crabb joined the final panel. Picture: ABC

ABC News director Justin Stevens sent an email to staff on Tuesday, attributing the decision to cancel the show to part of a wider restructure which would result in the ABC News Channel being disbanded and one executive position scrapped.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, he said the program was a trailblazer in showcasing a diversity of voices that represented the population.

“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.

“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.