Sarah Harris: Cancel Culture Stifles TV Creativity

Veteran Australian television presenter Sarah Harris has re-emerged, expressing strong opinions on the impact of cancel culture on the medium. Harris asserts that the fear of public backlash has led to an overly sanitized and 'beige' television landscape, which she believes is driving audiences to podcasts and radio where more complicated conversations can take place.

Speaking in her first major interview since the cancellation of The Project last year, Harris noted that the constraints of television sound bites prevent nuanced or cheeky content, contrasting it with the era of presenters like Bert Newton. She suggested that broadcasters have become too cautious, resulting in safe but uninspiring programming that lacks risk and fails to engage audiences effectively.

Harris, who spent two-and-a-half years on The Project, also reflected on the changing viewership of long-running shows. She has recently embraced radio, joining Nova Sydney's breakfast show with Ricki-Lee Coulter and Tim Blackwell, describing the medium as more authentic and personal. While hopeful for a return to television, she believes the industry needs a significant pivot point to regain its vibrancy.