ABC to launch “National Forum” with antisemitism focus in first episode
The ABC will launch a new live discussion programme, the ABC National Forum, in March 2026, with the inaugural episode focusing on the lives and experiences of Jewish Australians and the impact of antisemitism.
According to the ABC, the first forum will address issues arising from the Bondi terrorist attack and will bring together ordinary citizens, community leaders, experts and policymakers for discussion before a live studio audience.
David Speers (photo: Wikipedia)
“In March 2026 ABC News will launch the ABC National Forum, a new discussion programme bringing together ordinary citizens, community leaders, experts and policymakers to discuss topical issues of national significance,” the broadcaster said in its announcement.
The programme will be broadcast live from Sydney and moderated by ABC National Political Lead and Insiders host David Speers.
“The ABC National Forum will provide a space for Australians to come together to share their knowledge and experiences, hear from others and better understand each other,” Speers said.
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said the new format reflected the broadcaster’s core mission as a national institution.
“The ABC National Forum reflects the ABC’s commitment to bringing Australians together. That responsibility is at the core of our role as the national public broadcaster, and we’re proud to continue investing in content and services that serve and connect our community,” Marks said.
ABC Director of News Justin Stevens said the programme was part of the broadcaster’s effort to rethink how national conversations are held.
“The ABC has to continually innovate in the space of the town square, and this is an important initiative to bring together voices of Australians from all corners of our community in a constructive way,” Stevens said.
“Listening to one another is essential to strengthening social harmony and fostering a more cohesive nation.”
The ABC has not yet announced the airdate or viewing details for the first episode of ABC National Forum, saying those details will be released in coming weeks.
Also on the ABC, next Monday, 2 February, at 8.30pm, there will be a special Four Corners investigation examining the Bondi attack, with an account of the events of that day based on testimony from survivors and witnesses.
