Michael Rowland announces he is leaving ABC News Breakfast – Michael Rowland, one of the most familiar and respected faces on ABC TV, has told viewers this morning he’s leaving ABC News Breakfast after almost 15 years as co-host.
Michael’s last day on the Brekky couch will be Friday 13 December, followed by a well-deserved break.
“I love working on News Breakfast. Every morning is a buzz and it’s by far the best job I’ve had at the ABC,”
– Michael says.
“But after 15 years of 3am starts my body is screaming ‘enough!’. The hours have finally caught up with me.”
Michael Rowland has been co-host of News Breakfast since June 2010. He first joined the ABC in 1987 and his wealth of experience includes five years as a political reporter in Canberra, four years as the ABC Washington correspondent and stints as a business reporter, Lateline economics correspondent and state political reporter in NSW and Victoria.
One of the most accomplished journalists and presenters in the country, he has covered a huge range of stories, including numerous federal and state elections, four US presidential elections, the Black Summer bushfires and floods in NSW and Victoria, as well as anchoring the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“It has been a thrill interviewing everyone from prime ministers to Hollywood superstars,”
– Michael says.
“On what other program can you switch from presenting hard news to diving into a chilli-eating competition or dancing the Nutbush (badly)?
“I will miss the fabulous Brekky team, but I will miss our viewers even more. I am intensely proud of helping build the News Breakfast audience over the years. Thank you all sincerely for entrusting me with your mornings.
“I’ll be taking a long break to catch up on sleep and unhook myself from the relentless news cycle for a little while.”
Rowland will return to the ABC to focus on exciting future projects in mid-2025.
ABC Director, News Justin Stevens:
“Michael has been central to News Breakfast’s success over the past 15 years, a familiar and trusted face for viewers each morning. His ability to traverse serious reporting as well as lighter topics, and do it on live TV for three hours every morning, shows what a hugely talented broadcaster he is. We’ll miss him a lot on the News Brekky couch but we can’t wait to see what he does next for the ABC after a well-deserved rest.”
ABC News Breakfast co-host Bridget Brennan:
“Sitting alongside Michael at News Breakfast has been an honour and a privilege. I’ve been able to watch firsthand his enduring dedication to strong journalism and public service. After 15 years, Australians will miss his presence each and every morning enormously, but I know we all appreciate the incredible effort he has given to News Breakfast for such a long time. Michael, I hope this next chapter brings long sleep-ins and more time to stay up late and watch your beloved Doggies!”
ABC News Breakfast EP Tyson Shine:
“It’s hard to imagine the News Breakfast couch without Michael. For 15 years he has helped wake Australians up, covering some of the world’s biggest news events. We will miss his reassuring presence on screen, but the jury is out about the dad jokes.”
Media Release – ABC
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