After 15 years as a co-host, ABC News Breakfast‘s Michael Rowland is leaving the program.
The broadcaster revealed his departure this morning, saying he was taking a long break, but assured he would return with the ABC later in 2025.
Friday, 13 December will be Rowland’s last day on air.
“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,” Rowland said.
“But after 15 years of 3am starts my body is screaming ‘enough!’. The hours have finally caught up with me.”
“It has been a thrill interviewing everyone from prime ministers to Hollywood superstars.
“On what other program can you switch from presenting hard news to diving into a chilli-eating competition or dancing the Nutbush [badly]?”
Rowland started at the ABC over 35 years ago and has co-hosted News Breakfast since 2010.
“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,” he said.
Bridget Brennan, Rowland’s co-host on News Breakfast, says it’s been an honour to work alongside him.
“I’ve been able to watch firsthand his enduring dedication to strong journalism and public service,” she said.
“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.”
Rowland has covered major events, including 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.
ABC News director Justin Stevens said Rowland had been central to the success of News Breakfast, calling him “a familiar and trusted face for viewers”.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The ABC will announce Rowland’s replacement soon.
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