Michael Rowland to leave ABC News Breakfast
ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland has announced he is leaving the program. He will remain at the ABC.
After 15 years on the show, the veteran broadcaster revealed the news this morning, saying he was taking a long break from the screens, but would be back with the ABC later next year.
His is the latest departure from the program, following co-host Lisa Millar, who left in August, and Tony Armstrong, who announced he was leaving in October.
Audiences have a couple of weeks to get their fill of dad jokes, with Rowland revealing Friday, December 13 would be his last day on air.
Michael Rowland reports from Sydney. (ABC News Breakfast)
“I love working on News Breakfast. Every morning is a buzz and it’s by far the best job I’ve had at the ABC,” Rowland said.
“But after 15 years of 3am starts my body is screaming ‘enough!’. The hours have finally caught up with me.”
The News Breakfast host also holds the title of ABC News Network Anchor, and has brought Australians major stories from all sides of the country and the world.
Michael Rowland has covered many significant events including the death of Queen Elizabeth II. (ABC News Breakfast)
He began his career at the ABC more than 35 years ago, and has co-hosted News Breakfast since 2010.
“It has been a thrill interviewing everyone from prime ministers to Hollywood superstars,” he said.
“On what other program can you switch from presenting hard news to diving into a chilli-eating competition or dancing the Nutbush [badly]?"
Michael has interviewed all sorts, from Australian prime ministers and US political figures to everyday Australians. (ABC News Breakfast)
After joining the ABC as a news cadet in 1987, Rowland spent five years as a political reporter in Canberra.
He later served as the ABC’s correspondent in Washington, covering the election of Barack Obama and the onset of the global financial crisis.
Michael Rowland served as Washington correspondent for four years and has reported from the US on several other occasions including the 2024 elections. (ABC News Breakfast)
He also had stints as a business reporter, Lateline economics correspondent and state political reporter in NSW and Victoria.
“I will miss the fabulous Brekky team, but I will miss our viewers even more. I am intensely proud of helping build the News Breakfast audience over the years. Thank you all sincerely for entrusting me with your mornings.”
Bridget Brennan has been Michael Rowland's co-host on News Breakfast this year. (ABC News Breakfast)
Bridget Brennan, Rowland’s co-host on News Breakfast, says it’s been an honour and a privilege to work alongside him.
"I've been able to watch firsthand his enduring dedication to strong journalism and public service," she said.
"Australians will miss his presence each and every morning enormously, but I know we all appreciate the incredible effort he has given to News Breakfast for such a long time."
Michael has served the News Breakfast audience both in the studio and out in the field, including for emergency broadcasting during fire seasons (ABC News Breakfast)
Rowland has covered major events, including federal and state elections, four US presidential elections, the Black Summer bushfires and floods in NSW and Victoria, the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, and the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
ABC News director Justin Stevens said Rowland had been central to the success of News Breakfast, calling him "a familiar and trusted face for viewers".
"His ability to traverse serious reporting as well as lighter topics, and do it on live TV for three hours every morning, shows what a hugely talented broadcaster he is," Stevens said.
"We’ll miss him a lot on the News Brekky couch but we can’t wait to see what he does next for the ABC after a well-deserved rest."
Michael Rowland has hosted ABC News Breakfast since 2010. (ABC News Breakfast)
The ABC said it would announce Rowland’s replacement in due course.
