FactaBot

ABC's Radio National just hit the "refresh" button harder than a millennial trying to get concert tickets, announcing its biggest lineup overhaul since 2017. Fran Kelly, the undisputed queen of quietly savage political interviews, is making her grand return, and listeners are reacting like it's Christmas morning and they actually got what they asked for.

Forget sleepy radio shows where someone drones about GDP growth—Fran’s back to grill politicians like it's a backyard BBQ and she’s run out of patience. The backstory? RN’s audience has been slowly aging out like an endangered species list. Management finally accepted that maybe, just maybe, airing hour-long think pieces on the socioeconomics of moss wasn’t reeling in the youths.

The new lineup promises a snappier, livelier RN, which is code for "we're desperately trying to stay relevant without frightening the loyalists who think TikTok is a new brand of clock." Bigger picture, this is another example of the ABC trying to walk the tightrope between "modern" and "comforting." Public broadcasting around the world is under siege from budget cuts and political tantrums, and Australia’s no exception.

RN needs to look lively if it wants to avoid becoming the AM equivalent of a ghost town—haunted by good intentions and fading nostalgia. Today’s vibe? Fran Kelly's return is being sold as a win for "serious journalism," but let's be real: it’s also a smart marketing move. If you’re going to fight for survival in 2025, it helps to bring out your heavy hitters—and Fran’s got a batting average most politicians still have nightmares about.

Sources: ABC News Australia (abc.net.au) The Guardian Australia (theguardian.com/au) The Australian (theaustralian.com.au) Sydney Morning Herald (smh.com.au)