Charlie King departs the ABC after more than three decades – Sports broadcaster, advocate and former ABC Bonner Committee Chair Dr Charlie King AM has announced his retirement from the ABC, closing a remarkable chapter in Australian broadcasting.
Across more than three decades, Charlie King became one of the ABC’s most respected voices. He was especially influential in the Northern Territory, where his work in sport, community storytelling and First Nations leadership left a lasting mark.
King was a central figure in Territory sport for decades. He presented the local Grandstand program and, in 2008, became the first Indigenous Australian to commentate at an Olympic Games when he joined the ABC’s coverage of Beijing.
His contribution, however, reached well beyond the microphone.
As Chair of the ABC Bonner Committee for more than a decade, King helped strengthen the broadcaster’s commitment to First Nations staff, culture and leadership. The committee has played a key role as the ABC’s peak Indigenous advisory group.
In 2019, King was inducted into the AFL Northern Territory Hall of Fame in the media category. The honour recognised his long-running contribution to Territory football and his support for the growth of women’s football in the NT.
That same year, he was named Northern Territory Senior Australian of the Year. The recognition reflected not only his broadcasting career, but also his advocacy against domestic and family violence.
Through the NO MORE campaign, launched in 2006, King has worked with sporting codes and communities across the NT to promote zero tolerance of violence. In addition, he has spent more than 20 years volunteering to support men in contact with the justice system. His service has also been recognised with an Order of Australia.
Reflecting on his time at the ABC, King said he leaves with pride and gratitude.
“I have always been proud to work at the ABC. I grew up listening to the ABC, and never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would go on to have such a long and rewarding career here.”
King also reflected on the responsibility he felt as a Gurindji man working inside the national broadcaster.
“I wanted to lead the way for more Aboriginal people to find their place at the ABC, and that motivated me to present myself in a way that reflected the importance and value of our presence in the organisation.”
He said the work of the Bonner Committee remained one of his proudest achievements.
“I am particularly proud of the work of the Bonner Committee, what we achieved together and what continues to grow from that foundation.”
ABC Director First Nations Strategy and Bundjalung woman Kelly Williams said King’s contribution to the organisation had been profound.
Williams said the ABC experienced significant change during King’s time as Chair of the Bonner Committee. She said his leadership helped create opportunities for many Indigenous employees to showcase their leadership.
In recognition of his outstanding service, King became the first employee appointed as a lifetime member of the ABC’s Bonner Committee.
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks also paid tribute to King’s career and legacy.
“Charlie King leaves the ABC with a legacy defined by integrity, leadership and a deep connection to Top End communities.”
Marks said King made a lasting and valued contribution through his journalism and his service to the ABC. He also thanked King for his commitment and wished him every success and happiness for the future.
Charlie King departs the ABC after a career defined by leadership, advocacy, community connection and a powerful commitment to ensuring First Nations voices were heard.
TV Central ABC content HERE
