Read An ABC Staffer’s Absolutely Damaging Email About Older Colleagues On One Of The Broadcaster’s Tougher Channels
- Outgoing ABC employee furious over perceived age discrimination
- E-mail to colleagues claims that older workers were paid more
An irate ex-employee of ABC’s Radio National has sent a scathing farewell email claiming that the national broadcaster preferred older colleagues.
The outgoing employee criticized the broadcaster for overlooking younger employees while paying older workers $20,000 to $30,000 more for “winning the demographic lottery.”
“I used to laugh at myself ironically when feminist colleagues talked about the glass ceiling for women,” the employee’s email reads.
‘At RN there was a cement ceiling for everyone born after 1972.’
An irate ex-employee of ABC’s Radio National has sent a scathing email claiming the national broadcaster favored older workers and paid more (ABC’s Ultimo Sydney office)
Referring to their “toxic relationship” with Radio National, the employee warned that the lower salary levels for younger workers are not enough to live on if they live on the country’s east coast.
“You may be an EP (Executive Producer) now, but unless you’re independently wealthy, you need to set a timeline to leave,” the email reads.
“Not because you hate the job or your colleagues, but because ABC wages no longer allow you to lead a financially stable life in an eastern Australian town.”
The staffer hoped the email would move up the broadcaster’s chain of command, reported The age.
Last October, ABC President Ita Buttrose spoke on Radio National Breakfast as part of Ageism Awareness Day.
“I don’t think the ABC can be accused of not giving opportunities to young talent,” Ms Buttrose said.
However, she followed up on the comment by saying, “If younger people don’t think there’s a place for someone in their 60s, they need to think about how they want to be treated when they get to that age.”
Last October, ABC president Ita Buttrose (pictured) claimed the ABC could not be ‘accused’ of not giving ‘opportunities’ to younger talent
The comments were in response to criticism that the national broadcaster had failed to accommodate a younger audience and younger talent within the company.
Youth-oriented branches of broadcasting, such as Triple J, have seen younger audiences turn to other stations, such as SmoothFm.
Younger talents at the ABC have also left the company to embark on independent ventures or work for other outlets.
Journalist Brooke Boney and comedian Gen Fricker both left broadcasting for other opportunities in recent years, while Alexei Toliopoulos and Cameron James both started independent series on YouTube.
Daily Mail Australia contacted the ABC for comment.