The host of the ABC’s current affairs talkfest, Q+A’s Hamish Macdonald, has quit the role after just 18 months.
Macdonald, who was recruited over from 10’s The Project, has struggled for ratings ever since taking on the job.
A concerted campaign by News Corp’s The Australian to undermine the program under Macdonald’s reign arguably not helping matters either.
ABC bosses didn’t help the situation when they moved the program from its usual Monday evenings to Thursday night in November last year. Thursday typically being one of TV’s quieter nights of the week.
It’s unclear what Macdonald’s next move will be.
Commenting on his departure, Macdonald said in a statement via the ABC website: “I am enormously grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given to host Q+A and to work alongside wonderful, talented and passionate people,” Macdonald said.
“I am really proud of what we’ve achieved together during these extraordinary times.
“I’d also like to thank the incredible Q+A audience for all they contribute to this program each week. It is, after all, their show. Their questions and stories from all corners of Australia are inspiring, revealing and clever – and it has been a privilege to receive and read them.
“I’m really excited to be moving on to a new opportunity, and working more with the ABC in the future.”
ABC’s director of news Gaven Morris added: “Everyone at the ABC thanks Hamish for the incredible job he has done.
“At one stage during the lockdown he was presenting a live panel discussion program that wasn’t allowed to have either an audience or panellists in the studio. His experience and versatility came to the fore.
“Hamish has long been a part of the ABC family and we look forward to continuing that relationship when opportunities arise.”
