David Speers: Insiders host takes a new job at ABC after Andrew Probyn is fired
Twist as ABC replaces political editor with a big name – but a different title – after doing away with star after bar fridge row
- ABC replaces Andrew Probyn with David Speers
ABC has replaced its political editor with award-winning journalist David Speers following the firing of Andrew Probyn last month.
On Wednesday it was announced that Mr. Speers, the anchor of the network’s flagship political program, Insiders, will become ABC News’ national political leader.
David Speers was previously Sky News’ political editor before replacing veteran journalist Barry Cassidy as host of the ABC Insiders program in 2020.
ABC has replaced its political editor with award-winning journalist David Speers (pictured) after Andrew Probyn was fired last month
The two-time Walkley Award winner said it is a “privilege” to take on the role.
“It’s great to have the program that is all about the politics of the country now front and center,” Speers said in the announcement Wednesday.
As Australians grapple with hugely important issues around the cost of living, housing, climate change, the Indigenous voice and many others, the Insiders team will be on the ground helping them navigate how policies and politics affect the nation and the people . lives.
‘I am also very pleased with a greater presence within the agency. The ABC Parliament House team is a powerhouse of incredibly talented and dedicated journalists. It is a privilege to be part of this team and I look forward to working even more closely with everyone.”
Two weeks ago, the network’s former political editor Andrew Probyn was fired with reports alleging disputes with bosses over a beer fridge and coverage of Lidia Thorpe’s ex-boyfriend.
ABC Management said his resignation was to make room for the hiring of more social media reporters.
Mr Probyn told The Australian after his resignation that this was due to his habit of ‘standing up to management over some of their more stupid editorial and staffing decisions’.
A recent standoff between Probyn and ABC heads saw him fight to publish a junior reporter’s scoop on the relationship between former Greens-now-Independent MP Lidia Thorpe and ex-Victoria rebel gang president Dean Martin.
Thorpe denies that the pair had a romantic relationship and only kissed once.
His resignation was one of 120 the company made, including 40 editorial positions, with ABC stating they are trying to transition to social media.
“The Political Editor role was a position created in 2015 primarily to report for the 7 p.m. news at a time when the majority of our audience was primarily served by the 7 p.m. news,” an ABC statement said.
“We will retain the roles of editor, political and deputy editor who manage coverage and have editorial responsibility.”
When Mr Speers’ role was announced on Wednesday, ABC noted it was a ‘separate initiative’ and insisted they are still focusing on the transition to digital news.
“This announcement is separate from the ABC’s recent proposed changes to the Canberra bureau and to ABC News, designed to increase our capacity to serve both digital and broadcast audiences,” the network said in a statement.
Justin Stevens, director of ABC news, said Mr Speers’ new position will “better leverage” of his experience.
“David Speers is a highly respected political journalist and with his Insiders responsibilities now based full-time in Canberra, we have the opportunity to better utilize his extensive experience during the remainder of the week,” he said.
Mr Speers has been at the forefront of political coverage since the 2000s, hosting election debates in 2007, 2010 and in 2013.
In 2020, Speers, the ABC star, published the book ‘On Mutiny’, which explored how the Liberal Party sought to replace Malcolm Turnbull with Scott Morrison as Prime Minister.