ABC veteran announced his departure
Longtime host of ABC News Breakfast Michael Rowland has announced his departure from the coveted role.
Rowland shared the news on-air on Monday morning, revealing that his last day on the show will be December 13th, despite ABC bosses asking him to stay on the show into next year.
“I have some news to announce - and the teams here, they know this news already - I’m leaving News Breakfast at the end of next week," he said.
"I’m sorry to the viewers out there for the short notice, but I’m not one for long and drawn out farewells.”
“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. But after 15 years of 3am starts my body is screaming ‘enough!’. The hours have finally caught up with me.”
“I am looking forward to a break and spending more time with my family. My beautiful children were 7 and 5 respectfully when I started the show and they’re now in their 20s,” he said.
“There has been an enormous amount of family sacrifice that has gone on to enable me to do the job for 15 years, so looking forward to spending time with them and my beautiful wife, Nicky, as well.”
“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.”
Rowland will remain with the ABC and will return to the national broadcaster in mid-2025 to work on “exciting projects.”
The presenter and news journalist started his career at the ABC in 1987, and was appointed co-host of News Breakfast in 2010, covering major events such as federal and state elections, four US presidential elections, the Black Summer bushfires and floods in NSW and Victoria, the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, and the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Image credits: ABC