The ABC has revealed two accomplished local broadcasters and journalists, Nikolai Beilharz and Stacey Lee (above), will wake up Adelaide each morning as the new hosts of Breakfast on ABC Radio Adelaide.
Both broadcasters are well-known to ABC audiences across South Australia with Beilharz having presented numerous regional programs over the past 15 years, including the SA edition of The Country Hour as well as appearing as a regular guest on the Breakfast and Overnights. Lee established herself as one of SA’s best political journalists and a regular contributor to ABC Radio Adelaide’s Spin Cycle program.
The new breakfast team will start on-air on Friday 21 January.
Beilharz returns to South Australia having worked for the ABC in Queensland and most recently, Victoria. “I have really missed the local lifestyle,” he said. “My wife Monique and I made the decision to move back to South Australia last year to raise our family, as the opportunities that Adelaide offers to us as we grow are second to none – it’s such a great place to live.
“I can’t wait to get behind the Breakfast mic and to share the stories and conversations that will set the tone for Adelaide’s day and I can’t think of a better person to share that with than Stacey.”
Lee is an award-winning journalist who has held producing, presenting and reporting roles for the ABC, Sky News and Channel 7 in Adelaide and Sydney. She was named Best Young Journalist and won Best Business or Finance Report by the SA Press Club.
“I have loved reporting every aspect of Adelaide life and it is an honour to be given the opportunity to help the city start its day. It’s such a vibrant place to live and I know that Nikolai and I can bring listeners all the news they need each morning along with the inspiring and uplifting stories that audiences love.”
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ABC Adelaide local manager Graeme Bennett said the pairing would add a contemporary edge to a program that audiences have always trusted.
“We know that Adelaide expects us to do the job we’re here for and to do it in a way that reflects our town. Nikolai and Stacey will add positive energy and passion to what we do. They’re experienced and strongly committed to the ABC way and the place we live in.
“The rest of the team is back with David Bevan, Sonya Feldhoff, Jules Schiller, Peter Goers and Deb Tribe returning with their usual recipe of information, entertainment, debate and discussion on all things Adelaide.
“I know they’ll hit the ground running in a year with so much happening – state and federal elections, what we hope will be the end of the pandemic and so much more that is yet to unfold.”
Bennet added that in 2022, ABC Radio Adelaide would continue to expand its online, digital and social media footprint with more ways for audiences to access content in the way that suits them.
“It’s an exciting time as we celebrate the ABC’s 90th birthday by looking to the future just as we honour our past.”