Popular ABC News presenter Beverley O’Connor has announced she is stepping down after more than 10 years with the national broadcaster.
O’Connor, presenter of the news program The World, announced on Tuesday evening that she is leaving the ABC.
“It was a privilege,” she said. “Time to take a breath and contemplate a new chapter.”
O’Connor has worked for ABC radio and television since 1987. She specialised in economics and politics and was a presenter on ABC Radio Melbourne for five years before moving to Seven in 2004.
In 2008 she became a weekend presenter on ABC News Victoria, after which she was appointed presenter of The World.
O’Connor was born in South Africa and studied journalism in Johannesburg. She also studied drama and ballet. She moved to Australia in the 1980s.
Many viewers were sad when she left the ABC.
“I’ll miss you on the late night tune-ins updating us on The World. You have a lovely soothing voice to tune in to in the evening. Good luck with whatever you do next,” one viewer wrote online.
Popular ABC News presenter Beverley O’Connor has announced she is stepping down after more than 10 years with the national broadcaster
Another added: ‘Thank you Bev for the years of grace, integrity, intellect and class with which you presented The World. We will miss the gentle calm of your voice late at night.’
A third said: ‘I always looked forward to seeing you on The World. A great mix of professionalism, knowledge and humour/lightness/friendliness. Fantastic interview skills. Thanks for everything.’