Michael Rowland has revealed he will leave the ABC this week after 39 years, telling viewers on News Breakfast this morning that he is stepping away from the broadcaster.
Rowland joined the broadcaster in 1987 as a radio news cadet and went on to build a career spanning politics, economics reporting, foreign correspondence and national television, including five years as the network’s Washington correspondent.
He later became a household name as co-presenter of News Breakfast, helping shape the program’s identity for 15 years before stepping down from the couch in December 2024.
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After leaving the morning show, he continued contributing across the broadcaster, presenting The Radio National Hour and most recently serving as National Affairs Reporter for 7.30, a role he had only taken up late last year.
Rowland said in a statement the decision to leave after nearly four decades was deeply personal and centred on family and life beyond the newsroom.
“It’s not easy walking away from my professional home of the past 39 years, but in so many respects this is the right decision for me and my family.”
He said he was “tremendously grateful” for the opportunities he had been given across his career and reflected on having “devoted literally most of my life to the ABC.”
Rowland also shared a personal farewell on LinkedIn, noting he had worked under eight Managing Directors, a light-hearted reminder of just how long his ABC tenure has been.
ABC Director of News Justin Stevens praised Rowland’s impact on the organisation, describing him as a journalist whose experience and professionalism shaped the network’s output for decades.
“While the ABC and audiences will miss him, he has made an indelible contribution and leaves a legacy of fine journalism, absolute professionalism and great personal integrity.”
Rowland’s final week at the ABC marks the end of a career that has spanned almost the entire modern era of Australian broadcast news, from the late 1980s radio newsroom to today’s multi-platform environment.
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The move also comes less than a year after he stepped into a new role as National Affairs Reporter for 7.30, making the timing notable, particularly as it remains unclear whether he has any other projects or plans lined up.
Congratulations to Michael Rowland on a truly remarkable career.
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