Pamela Medlen to anchor ABC News WA weeknights

ABC News weekend presenter Pamela Medlen will anchor the 7pm Monday-Thursday bulletin in Perth.

The confirmation follows long-time presenter James McHale announcing his departure several weeks ago. McHale, who joined ABC in 2009, has been reading the 7pm bulletin since 2011.

Medlen is a multi-platform reporter and producer who was born and raised in rural WA. She joined the ABC in 2006 from a background of radio and suburban newspaper reporting.

“The ABC has a team of talented and hard-working journalists reporting the stories that matter to West Australians and, as weekend newsreader for the past 12 years, I’ve always been very proud to present their work to our audience,” she said.

“I’m really pleased that with my new role I will still be able to get out on the road reporting, meeting people and finding out what’s important to them, because our audiences are at the heart of everything we do at the ABC.”

As part of the shuffle, Charlotte Hamlyn will present Friday-Sunday bulletins. She has been a reporter and presenter with ABC for more than 10 years and is a regular voice on ABC Radio Perth. She has covered breaking news events across the state, travelled overseas with Foreign Correspondent and recently covered the marathon Claremont serial killings trial in Perth.

“I grew up watching the ABC News ‪at 7pm with my family and telling people’s stories is my favourite pastime. To be able to share those stories from behind the newsdesk is a thrill and a great privilege,” she said.

“We have a team of incredibly hardworking and talented people in WA. At a time when so much is uncertain, I hope our audiences will continue to see ABC news as a trusted constant in their daily lives.”

James McHale departs ABC on Friday September 11.