ABC Cancels Q+A Amid Ratings Decline, Restructure

The ABC has officially announced the cancellation of its long-running political panel show Q+A after 18 years, citing the need to innovate and respond to changing audience preferences. Q+A, which has aired over 500 episodes since 2008 and played a key role in national debates, will not return after its recent hiatus. The decision is part of a wider organizational overhaul led by new managing director Hugh Marks, involving at least 80 redundancies and a new focus on premium news documentaries and audience participation projects like Your Say. Declining ratings and frequent host changes in recent years contributed to the program's reduced impact. Presenter Patricia Karvelas will stay at ABC and take on expanded responsibilities in other programs. ABC leadership stated the move is aimed at renewing content and strengthening audience engagement rather than reflecting on the Q+A team.