Joe Hildebrand

Joe Hildebrand
Born	(1976-06-23) June 23, 1976 Melbourne, Australia
Occupation(s)	Journalist, television and radio host
Years active	2000s–present
Known for	Columns for The Daily Telegraph, hosting ABC2 documentary series Dumb, Drunk and Racist, panellist on Studio 10

Joe Hildebrand (born 23 June 1976) is a prominent Australian journalist, as well as a television and radio host.

Hildebrand contributes columns to Sydney's The Daily Telegraph and writes for various other News Corp publications, including Melbourne's Herald Sun and the digital platform news.com.au.

Early life and education

Originating from Melbourne, Hildebrand spent his childhood in Dandenong. His education included attendance at Dandenong Primary School, Dandenong High School, and subsequently the University of Melbourne, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in history and English. During his university years, he served as editor of the student newspaper, Farrago. Prior to his tenure at The Daily Telegraph, Hildebrand worked as the New South Wales political correspondent for Australian Associated Press and gained experience in London with the Press Association.

Career

In 2004, Hildebrand was co-recipient of the Human Rights print media award and earned a high commendation at the 2004 Walkley Awards for his investigative piece titled Stolen Wages Payback Shame.

Between 2011 and 2015, he was a recurrent guest on ABC’s national discussion program, Q&A, and regularly appeared on ABC’s current affairs show, The Drum. Additionally, he featured weekly on Channel Seven’s The Morning Show and Sky News Australia’s Paul Murray Live.

In 2012, Hildebrand presented the ABC2 documentary series Dumb, Drunk and Racist, which followed him alongside Indian travelers as they examined Australian stereotypes. The premiere episode attracted an average viewership of 266,000 across five major cities, with peak numbers nearing 320,000. The following year, he hosted another ABC2 series called Shitsville Express.

Hildebrand joined Network Ten’s morning program Studio 10 in November 2013 as a panellist alongside Sarah Harris, remaining part of the team until his departure in September 2020.

Throughout 2014, he co-hosted a national drive-time radio show on Triple M with Matt Tilley.

After leaving Studio 10, Hildebrand began contributing to Sydney’s 2GB, appearing regularly on the John Stanley program with a segment branded "The Daily Telegraph."

Personal life

Hildebrand is married to fellow journalist Tara Ravens. The couple has three children and resides in Sydney.

At ten years old, Hildebrand’s younger brother Paddy—who was autistic—disappeared during a family bushwalk at Wilson's Promontory. Despite extensive search operations, Paddy was never located, and his whereabouts remain unknown.

Controversies

In 2014, Hildebrand encountered multiple controversies. On 2 April, both he and Network 10 issued an apology following comments made during a panel discussion that suggested Rosie Batty, whose son was killed by his father, bore responsibility for the tragedy.

On 18 June, Hildebrand and co-host Matt Tilley apologized after their show on Triple M, The One Percenters, broadcast remarks deemed racist towards Colombians. The Colombian embassy in Australia called for enforcement under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. The comments perpetuated negative stereotypes by associating Colombia with cocaine trafficking and gangs, provoking widespread condemnation.

On 14 July, Hildebrand faced backlash on social media over homophobic statements posted on Twitter following Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe’s public announcement of his homosexuality.

External links

• Biography on Punch