Karla Ranby becomes diversity & inclusion lead across ABC’s music networks

triple j’s group music researcher/ producer and Weekend Lunch presenter, Karla Ranby, is stepping away from the microphone and taking on the role of diversity and inclusion lead across the ABC’s music networks.

Replacing her on air will be 22-year-old Tyrone Pynor, who has previously filled in across triple j Mornings, Lunch, Mid Dawns and triple j Unearthed’s TOPS program.

Ranby first joined triple j in 2013, with the broadcaster saying she worked on almost every show before landing the Weekend Lunch gig in 2018.

Most recently, she was integral to the launch of the network’s new First Nations-focused radio show, Blak Out.

In her new role, she will continue to produce and program Blak Out. 

Ranby noted the significance of her new role, particularly as a First Nations woman.

“It’s been the honour of a lifetime to be a triple j presenter and I’m seriously going to miss being on-air speaking to the biggest legends in the country every weekend,” she said.

“But I’m just as excited to be a listener again, and to cheer on my mate who’s taking over. As a proud Gamilaroi girl from Moree, I’ve always tried to use my position for good, and in my new role I plan to work as hard as I can to keep carving out spaces and opportunities for staff and musicians from diverse backgrounds to have the success that they deserve,” she said.

The mate who’s replacing her, Pynor, hails from Mount Druitt with roots in Papua New Guinea and the Torres Strait. He’s worked at SBS and NITV, with triple j calling him a “true creative all-rounder”.

He too noted the power of the opportunity in front of him.

“It is insanely surreal that I get to regularly hang out and talk about something I love so much, music. This little brown boy from Western Sydney never would’ve seen himself on a national stage like triple j, but since I’m here I plan on stepping into this role with strength, love and power for my other young POC dreamers,” he said.

Ranby’s final shows are on air from 10am to 2pm this weekend. Pynor will take over from Saturday, July 3.