Australia’s national broadcaster, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), is facing scrutiny over a lack of gender diversity in its flagship Sydney radio station after the sudden departure of presenter Chris Bath led to an all-male lineup in its most prominent weekday slots for 2026. The programming shift has sparked concern among staff and listeners, placing a spotlight on representation within one of the nation's most influential media outlets.

On Monday, 25 November 2025, Chris Bath, a popular and veteran journalist, announced she was stepping down from the coveted Drive program on ABC Radio Sydney after just one year. Bath, who had replaced the long-serving Richard Glover following his retirement after 26 years, cited a desire to “pursue some passion projects and different opportunities away from the news cycle.” She will move to a new weekend program on the station.

Following her announcement, the ABC confirmed that Thomas Oriti, currently a host on ABC NewsRadio, will take over the Drive slot from 2026. This decision solidifies an all-male presenter roster for the station's key daily programs: Breakfast, Mornings, Afternoons, and Drive. The lineup now consists of Craig Reucassel (Breakfast), Hamish Macdonald (Mornings), James O'Loughlin and James Valentine (Afternoons), and Thomas Oriti (Drive).

Internal Concerns and Official Response

The move has reportedly caused dismay within the ABC, with staff expressing shock at the absence of female presenters in the primary daily schedule. This follows a similar controversy in late 2024 when presenter Sarah Macdonald was replaced by a male host in the Mornings slot, which also drew criticism from staff and listeners.

In response to the latest concerns, ABC's Director of Audio, Ben Latimer, acknowledged the issue, stating, “there is always more to do” on diversity. This statement comes as the broadcaster's broader commitment to inclusion is being questioned. According to the ABC's Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan for 2023–2026, women hold 55.4% of total employee roles and 55.4% of executive positions, exceeding its 50% target. However, the on-air talent in prime slots at its major metropolitan stations presents a different picture, highlighting a potential gap between corporate targets and public-facing representation.

While Bath's official statement focused on pursuing new opportunities, sources cited by Guardian Australia indicated she had also raised concerns about the level of production support for her three-hour live program. Bath has declined to comment further on this matter. Her departure was also preceded by her exit from a weekend newsreading role at the commercial broadcaster Network Ten amid budget cuts.

Broader Context of Media Diversity

The situation at ABC Sydney reflects a persistent challenge across the global media landscape regarding gender equality in high-profile roles. While many organizations have established diversity targets, achieving equitable representation in on-air and senior editorial positions remains an ongoing struggle. In Australia, the ABC has previously implemented initiatives like the "50:50 Project" to achieve gender balance in news coverage, which it successfully met in March 2021. However, the recent programming changes in Sydney suggest that maintaining this balance in presenter roles requires continuous and deliberate effort.

For the Kenyan and East African audience, this development in Australia serves as a relevant case study on the importance of public accountability for national broadcasters. It underscores how programming decisions can inadvertently lead to a lack of representation, sparking public debate and demanding transparency from media leadership. As media organisations in East Africa continue to evolve, the events at the ABC highlight the critical need for robust diversity and inclusion strategies that extend beyond corporate statistics to the visible and influential voices that shape public discourse daily.

Thomas Oriti, an experienced journalist with 17 years at the ABC, will officially commence his role as the new Drive presenter in the new year. Meanwhile, Chris Bath will launch her new community-focused show on Sunday mornings, offering what she describes as an “antidote to the relentlessness of the news cycle.” The focus, however, will remain on ABC's management and its next steps to address the conspicuous gender imbalance in its premier Sydney radio lineup.