Tom Switzer, a popular conservative radio host, has resigned from Australia’s national public broadcaster, the ABC. This follows the recent departure of another ABC journalist, Josh Szeps, who quit live on air while criticizing the broadcaster’s content control. In a statement, Mr. Switzer explained that he was leaving the ABC to focus on his role as the executive director of the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS), a Sydney-based conservative think tank. With a background as a former academic, editor, and senior adviser to Brendan Nelson, a former federal Liberal Party Leader, Mr. Switzer had hosted the program “Between The Lines,” which focused on international issues and events, seeking original perspectives and challenging accepted wisdoms.
Mr. Switzer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work at ABC’s Radio National, particularly for “Between The Lines.” He mentioned how he learned a lot about the craft of serious interviewing and was thankful for the support he received from producers, audio engineers, and management. The Centre for Independent Studies also announced his departure from the ABC, indicating that Mr. Switzer’s final episode on Radio National Summer will air on January 20, 2024. Despite positive comments from ABC’s Radio National manager, Cath Dwyer, it was reported that Mr. Switzer’s departure was due to his standing as the “lone conservative” at the ABC, which created some tension internally.
The ABC has seen the departure of other high-profile journalists, including Josh Szeps, Stan Grant, and Tracey Holmes, all of whom have cited controversial topics, racial abuse, and concerns about the agenda-driven nature of the public broadcaster as reasons for their resignations.