‘Ruffled feathers’: Tom Switzer resigns from ABC
ABC star Tom Switzer has resigned from the national broadcaster as insiders allege he “upset” and “ruffled feathers” with his choice of conservative guests.
ABC radio star Tom Switzer has resigned from the national broadcaster as insiders say he “ruffled feathers” with his choice of conservative guests.
On Thursday, Switzer announced he would be leaving the ABC after nine years, largely as host of the weekly popular radio program and podcast Between the Lines.
In a statement on Thursday, Switzer revealed he was leaving to concentrate on his other role as the executive director of the Centre for Independent Studies, a liberal think-tank.
“I have been very fortunate to work on various programs at ABC’s Radio National for the best part of a decade, especially Between The Lines,” Switzer said.
“I have learnt a lot about the craft of serious interviewing on the public broadcaster, and I am very grateful for all the support I’ve received from many producers, audio engineers and management.”
The former editor, academic, and senior Liberal Party adviser joined the ABC in 2015 to host the program, billed to “make sense of Australia’s place in the world … (by putting) contemporary issues and events into a broader context, seeking out original perspectives and challenging accepted wisdoms”, according to ABC Listen.
However, it’s believed Switzer’s decision to step down was partly motivated by the pressure of being a ‘lone conservative’ at the public broadcaster.
“Tom’s editorial decisions for the show were beginning to upset the sensibilities of some staff and even friends of the ABC,” an ABC source told The Australian.
“It wasn’t what his guests would say – he always challenges them – but just the mere gesture of giving some people a platform got people off-side.
“There is always a different side to the story, sometimes even three sides, that’s what the organisation needs to understand. Apart from Vanstone (former Liberal minister Amanda Vanstone) what other conservative voices do they have in there? It is moving dangerously into group think territory.”
“He’s been ruffling feathers since day one because he dared give guests who wouldn’t usually appear on the ABC the time of day,” another source revealed to The Australian.
“You would remember back in 2015 when he had Nigel Lawson (former UK politician) on the program explaining his concerns about the dangers of climate change alarmist.”
Switzer’s resignation adds his name to a growing list of stars who have walked away from the ABC this year. Q+A host Stan Grant resigned in August, sports broadcaster Tracy Holmes left in October, and presenter Joseph Szeps announced mid-show last week that he was “too spicy” for the ABC.
The Sydney Afternoon’s host quit live on-air, claiming he “could spin a lot of PR guff but if you know me you would know I don’t do bulls**t, I am a straight shooter”.
Szeps said the need for more “uncomfortable, bulls**t-free conversations” was behind his reasons for leaving.
The ABC issued a statement after Switzer’s resignation on Thursday, thanking him for his tenure at the broadcaster. Between the Lines broadcasts its final episode on January 20, 2024.
“Tom has brought a depth of knowledge of foreign affairs and a variety of voices and perspectives to RN,” Radio National manager Cath Dwyer said.
“His dedicated listeners will miss his inquiring mind, curiosity and desire to challenge ideas.”
Jackie O’s neighbours trash her home
The $13 million dream home construction has been labelled an eyesore - and Jackie O Henderson’s neighbours have had enough.
‘Flogging it’: Kyle’s huge promise to listeners
Kyle Sandilands has challenged his own station to boost Aussie music after national airplay data revealed his show only spun a handful of local songs.
Major blow for Kyle and Jackie-O
Following listener complaints against shock jock hosts Kyle and Jackie-O, the Australian Communications and Media Authority have dealt the pair a major blow.