Sarah Ferguson has been appointed presenter of ABC nightly current affairs flagship 7.30. Ferguson will take over the role in July, joining chief political correspondent Laura Tingle and an outstanding team.
Current host Leigh Sales announced in February she would step down at the end of June after almost 12 years as anchor and take up a new role with the ABC.
Ferguson began her journalism career in the UK and France. After moving to Australia she worked for SBS programs Dateline and Insight as a producer and reporter and spent four years on Nine Network’s Sunday program.
Ferguson joined the ABC in 2008 to work on Four Corners. She has won five Walkley Awards, including the 2011 Gold Walkley for “A Bloody Business”, an expose of Australia’s live cattle trade.
Since early 2021 Ferguson has been based in Washington DC, reporting for the ABC’s news services, Four Corners and Foreign Correspondent.
Ferguson said “I’m delighted to take on the presenter role at 7.30. Led by Leigh and Laura, the 7.30 team has created a powerhouse program.
“These are challenging times nationally and internationally, scrutiny of power is at a premium, but I have also witnessed in the US the destructive force of rancorous political division.
“On a brighter note, I expect to enjoy the role hugely, interviewing is one of the true thrills of journalism. Working in collaboration with the inimitable Laura Tingle is irresistible.
“On Leigh’s departure, I’d like to say that her diligence and skill have made an enormous contribution to Australian journalism. What you don’t see in her calm studio presence is the huge amount of work she does in preparation. It will be a pleasure to take over from such a pro.”
David Anderson, ABC managing director said “ABC audiences know and respect Sarah for her years of investigative journalism and insightful reporting and as a foreign correspondent. Her work has set an unparalleled standard, not only in Australian journalism but internationally, as evidenced by her recent reporting from Ukraine.
“Sarah is an exceptional appointment to take over 7.30 hosting duties from Leigh, alongside an outstanding team. 7.30 has been Australia’s premier daily current affairs program for decades and that will continue with Sarah at the helm.”
Former 7:30 host Leigh Sales said “7.30 is an incredibly important program and I welcome handing the reins to a journalist of Sarah’s rigour and experience.
“I look forward to finishing up and joining the viewers of Australia to see where she takes it next.”
In 2021 7.30’s national audience averaged 980,000 viewers a night with an audience share of around 13% in metro markets and 12.5% in regional areas.