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Kerry O’Brien to exit 7.30 Report

After 15 years as Editor and Host Kerry O’Brien will leave the ABC's 7.30 Report in December.

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The man with the pen is moving on…..

After 15 years as Editor and Host of The 7.30 Report, Kerry O’Brien is moving to a new role with the ABC.

O’Brien released a statement today:

I have informed the ABC that I intend to leave the 7.30 Report in December after 15 very rewarding years as the program’s Editor and Presenter.

Quite simply it’s time for a new chapter. I’ve been in the pressure cooker of daily current affairs hosting and interviewing for 21 straight years including six years at Lateline, and it’s been something of a marathon.

It has been an absolute privilege to work with some of the most talented and dedicated professionals in the business, and I leave with confidence that the 7.30 Report will be at the heart of ABC News and Current Affairs coverage for years to come. This has been a great year for the program, and it’s good to leave on a high note.

I would also like to thank an extremely generous audience, including those who may have occasionally thrown a shoe at the screen.

I’ll begin a new association with the ABC in the new year, but one that will allow me time to take a breath and consider what else I might want to do with the rest of my life.

Kerry informed his colleagues on the program of his decision today, and said it was a difficult decision to step back from such a key prime time role.

“Kerry helped create, develop and define The 7.30 Report and before that, Lateline,” says Kate Torney, ABC’s Director of News. “He has been central to the success of both programs and has consistently set the agenda in Australian journalism.

“This has never been more apparent than during the recent federal election, where his interviews were some of the key moments in the campaign and helped drive the broader media coverage.

“While his absence from the 7.30 role will leave some big shoes to fill I am delighted that, after taking a well-earned break, Kerry has agreed to return to ABC screens in a new role next year. The details of that will be announced later this year.”

ABC Managing Director Mark Scott said, “As the ABC approaches its 80th year, few journalists have played such an important role, for such a long time, with such integrity and distinction, as Kerry O’Brien.

“On behalf of all of his colleagues, I want to thank Kerry for his tireless commitment to the best in ABC journalism through his leadership at The 7.30 Report.”

33 Responses

  2. I vote TJ… it’ll ‘freshen it up’ a bit. No chance of Chris Uhhhhhlhman. They’ll keep him in News to hopefully take the reigns off Oakes as the ‘go-to’ man, as good old Laurie probably only has a one or two more elections in him, professionally. God knows Riley won’t get them.

    Then who for Lateline? Surely he won’t be able to turn around and do Qanda too?

    Congratulations Kerry, but can you take Clarke and Dawe with you too? XD

  5. Wow – i didn’t see that one coming! Tony Jones would be the obvious choice – I’m with Sal, i don’t see the stature of Uhlman. They might mix it up and choose laterally, but seniority and presence on the network points to Tony. End of an era

  7. Kerry is a bloody legend and he’ll be missed. I’ll bet quite a few pollies are relieved to see him go! Tony Jones is the obvious replacement, lets hope he can continue with Q&A as well.

  16. Irreplaceable. There is no way that he would have been pushed and to still be working in the ABC at 65 is an incredible effort. 7.30 will definitely not be the same.

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