Dispatches from the Picket Line: Behind the ABC Strike

Dispatches from the Picket Line: Behind the ABC Strike

From Fourth Estate by 2SER

April 3, 2026 · 45 min

About this episode

This episode explores the recent ABC strike, its causes, and implications for the future of the organization.

More than 2,000 ABC staff walked off the job in the broadcaster’s first strike in 20 years. While the dispute centred on pay, progression and job security, it also exposed deeper concerns about culture, leadership and editorial independence. In this episode of Fourth Estate, Tina Quinn speaks with current and former ABC journalists, including Michael Slezak, Fran Kelly, Quentin Dempster, Emma Field and Scott Mitchell, to unpack what led to the strike — and what it reveals about the future of the organisation. We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourthestate@2ser.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or tweet us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fourthestateau⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Tina Quinn

Guests: Michael Slezak, Fran Kelly, Quentin Dempster, Emma Field, Scott Mitchell

Topics covered

  • journalism
  • labor strikes
  • media culture
  • editorial independence
  • ABC

Keywords

  • ABC staff strike
  • pay dispute
  • job security
  • leadership concerns
  • future of journalism

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Behind the ABC Strike, Fourth Estate

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