Another beloved radio presenter departs ABC amid number of high-profile sackings: ‘It’s a sad moment’
Another Sydney radio presenter has left the ABC.
Robbie Buck announced that he is leaving the ABC after almost thirty years with the public broadcaster.
The ABC Radio Sydney announcer told his audience live on air on Monday that he was “taking a step back”.
For the past 18 months, Buck has been the host of ABC’s Songs & Stories show, but was previously a regular on ABC’s national youth channel, Triple J.
“It’s a sad moment, I must say,” Buck said.
‘I’m parting with ABC a bit, which is a big step for me.
Robbie Buck announced on Monday that he will be leaving the ABC after almost thirty years with the public broadcaster. Pictured
For the past 18 months, Buck has been the host of ABC’s Songs & Stories, but was previously a regular on ABC’s national youth channel, Triple J. Pictured with Wendy Harmer
He continued: “I have been here as a permanent employee for 28 years and it has been a privilege to be part of this organization.
“I hope to still have a toe in the water here on radio, and so I hope to pop up every now and then, but it seems like now is the right time to step back.”
Buck’s departure comes amid a turbulent period at ABC’s radio bureau, after a string of high-profile stars were let go in recent weeks amid a major hosting shake-up.
Last week, popular radio host Sarah Macdonald told listeners she was being fired as morning presenter of ABC Radio Sydney after more than three decades with the broadcaster.
ABC boss Kim Williams, who succeeded Ita Buttrose as chairman of the national broadcaster in March, has since said he fully supported Macdonald’s departure as ABC looks to revive its radio division under audio director Ben Latimer.
“Changes in the media are part of life,” he told the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday. “They are part of the programming fabric of all organizations.”
Buck’s departure comes amid a turbulent period at the ABC radio desks after a string of high-profile stars were let go in recent weeks, including popular presenter Sarah Macdonald.
ABC boss Kim Williams, who succeeded Ita Buttrose as chairman of the broadcaster in March, has since said he fully supported Macdonald’s departure as the ABC looks to revive its radio division.
ABC staff were shocked by the measure when it was announced last Thursday, alongside a series of sweeping changes at the taxpayer-funded service, and greeted the news with boos at their Sydney headquarters.
Williams, however, was adamant. Macdonald, who is well-liked and highly regarded throughout the industry, was not fired just because her job was given to someone else.
“It is incorrect to say that Sarah Macdonald has been dismissed,” he said.
‘Her role has not been renewed. Conceptually they are different.
‘Similarly, management has determined that it wants to take that service in a different direction.
‘That decision is a management decision and I fully support our management in making relevant decisions about the direction and content of the services that the ABC provides.
‘So yes, I support that decision, I support the idea of refreshment in the various services that the ABC offers.’
The ABC has reportedly been inundated with complaints since Macdonald revealed she was aired live on her show a few weeks ago.
“Well, here’s the news from me in terms of disappointment,” she told her listeners.
‘Next year I will no longer be on the radio with you, the ABC has decided not to renew my contract here at Mornings. I’m proud of what I’ve done. The viewing figures have increased.’