This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Catalyst For Change? The ABC Says It's Reviewing The Science Show

There are reports of big changes for the program, but the ABC isn't giving much away.
Catalyst came under fire earlier in the year and now the ABC says it's reviewing the show's format.
ABC
Catalyst came under fire earlier in the year and now the ABC says it's reviewing the show's format.

The future direction of the ABC's premier science program, Catalyst, is up in the air with the national broadcaster announcing a review into the program's 15-year-old format and production model.

The program came under fire in February over the episode "wi-fried", about the safety of wireless devices, which was found to have breached the ABC's impartiality standards.

An ABC review of the program led to the suspension of presenter Dr Maryanne Demasi.

Catalyst host Maryanne Demasi was suspended by the ABC after the program "wi-fried" was found to have breached the broadcaster's impartiality standards.
Fairfax
Catalyst host Maryanne Demasi was suspended by the ABC after the program "wi-fried" was found to have breached the broadcaster's impartiality standards.

"The ABC can confirm Catalyst will be part of the ABC schedule in 2017 and acknowledges the importance of the program for the scientific community and audiences in general," an ABC spokesman said in a statement.

The Huffington Post Australia had contacted the ABC after reports 11 staff would be sacked and production of the program moved in house.

The national broadcaster said it consistently reviews programs at the end of each year to ensure it maintains its commitment to audience needs and expectations.

"After more than fifteen years ABC Television is reviewing Catalyst's format and production model," the spokesman said.

"ABC management will respond to that review in due course."

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.