Sarah Ferguson to host 7:30

Walkley-winning ABC journalist Sarah Ferguson has been named as the next host of 7:30, succeeding Leigh Sales from July.

Ferguson will return from her role as a special Washington Correspondent which she commenced in 2020, after plans for a Beijing posting were set back.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

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.”

Justin Stevens, ABC Director, News: said, “Sarah Ferguson is one of this country’s most formidable and experienced journalists. She is a forensic investigative journalist, a gifted storyteller and a truly fearsome interviewer.

“We’re incredibly fortunate with the depth of talent we have at the ABC. Leigh Sales has done a superb job anchoring 7.30 for the past 12 years and to have someone of the calibre of Sarah Ferguson to take up the baton, working alongside Laura Tingle and the rest of the talented 7.30 team, is terrific news for audiences.

“The nightly role 7.30 plays in holding to account those in power is a key part of the democratic process and Sarah, along with the rest of the team, will ensure we continue the program’s proud history of delivering agenda-setting public affairs journalism.”

Ferguson joined the ABC in 2008 to work on Four Corners and went on to win three Walkleys for her work on the program, including the 2011 Gold Walkley for ‘A Bloody Business’, an expose of Australia’s live cattle trade. Her other awards include four Logies for Most Outstanding Public Affairs Report in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Melbourne Press Club Gold Quill, the George Munster Award and the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award.

She also presented acclaimed documentaries The Killing Season, Hitting Home and Revelation and recently covered stories on “FOX and the Big Lie”, Ukraine War and Mexico City’s first Femicide Unit.

Ferguson began her journalism career in newspapers in the UK before moving to France, where she worked as a freelancer for British and French broadcasters, and later to Washington DC. In Australia she worked for SBS programs Dateline and Insight as both producer and reporter. She then spent four years on Nine’s Sunday program.

In 2014 Ferguson also presented 7:30.

Leigh Sales announced she was departing after nearly 12 years in the role, citing change, family and the pressures of the role, but is remaining with ABC.

“7.30 is an incredibly important program and I welcome handing the reins to a journalist of Sarah’s rigour vand experience. I look forward to finishing up and joining the viewers of Australia to see where she takes it next,” said Sales.

Ferguson added, ““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.”