Q&A: ABC announces Tony Jones replacement
Hamish Macdonald has been announced as the new host for ABC’s Q&A as Tony Jones signs off at the end of the year after 12 years in the role.
“The ABC is delighted to announce that Hamish Macdonald will join the ABC as the new host of weekly flagship discussion program Q&A and as a senior presenter across television and radio,” the ABC said in a statement.
The #QandA team is very excited to have @hamishNews on board as host for 2020. Congrats Hamish! pic.twitter.com/6kvFPG8es8
— ABC Q&A (@QandA) November 7, 2019
“This role will be a huge opportunity to make the most complicated issues accessible, engaging and exciting for all Australians, no matter where you live, no matter what you believe,” Macdonald said.
“I’m proud to join this great Australian institution and can’t wait to serve the audience by continuing the big and important conversations each week.”
The 38-year-old, who has occasionally filled in for Jones on the program, will continue to appear on Network Ten’s The Project and The Sunday Project.
Aside from Q&A, Macdonald will also be presenting news across ABC’s television and radio channels.
ABC’S news director Gaven Morris said he was excited to have such an “experienced and accomplished broadcaster” on board.
“Hosting Q&A requires a special set of skills,” he said.
“It needs someone who is articulate and also a great listener, well connected, interested in everything and fully across news and current events at home and abroad.
“Hamish can do all of that – and also brings his own brand of warmth and energy that audiences love. He is a terrific communicator, and an experienced and accomplished broadcaster.”
Macdonald began his career in regional broadcaster WIN as a politics reporter before moving to the UK to report for Channel 4 News. He had also worked for Al Jazeera English and US ABC.