James Glenday has been announced as the replacement for ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland.
The news was confirmed on Monday morning after weeks of speculation that the rising media star would take over the role.
Glenday has appeared regularly as a substitute on the program and will complete his role as ABC’s 7pm newsreader in Canberra in the coming weeks.
He will co-host the breakfast show alongside co-host Bridget Brennan next year.
The veteran reporter has a wealth of political and field experience, having worked as both a Europe and US correspondent for the ABC during his time at the network.
The broadcaster also confirmed that sports presenter Catherine Murphy will replace Tony Armstrong on ABC News Breakfast.
James Glenday (pictured) has been announced as the replacement for ABC News Breakfast presenter Michael Rowland
Michael, 55, announced the shock news of his departure to viewers earlier this month, revealing his last show would be on Friday, December 13.
“I’m leaving News Breakfast,” Rowland announced.
“I’m sorry for the short-term viewers. I’m not someone who likes to say goodbye for a long time and I wanted as little hassle as possible.
“I love the job, it’s the best job I’ve had at the ABC. Actually everywhere. But after 15 years my body starts saying “enough!”. And that goes for my wife too.
‘It has been an enormous privilege to be able to present the news to our viewers here for fifteen years. That’s by far the most important part of the job for me.’
The veteran journalist anchored the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Rowland has also served as Lateline’s economics correspondent and state politics reporter in both New South Wales and Victoria.
ABC news director Justin Stevens said in a statement: “Michael has played a pivotal role in the success of News Breakfast over the past 15 years and has been a familiar and familiar face to viewers every morning.
The news was confirmed on Monday morning after weeks of speculation that James (left) would take over the role
Michael (pictured) announced the shock news of his departure to viewers earlier this month, revealing his final show would be on Friday, December 13.
“His ability to cover both serious reporting and lighter topics, and do so live on TV for three hours every morning, shows what an immensely talented broadcaster he is.
“We will miss him dearly on the News Brekky bench, but we can’t wait to see what he does for the ABC after a well-deserved rest.”
Meanwhile, Rowland’s ABC News Breakfast co-host Bridget said it was ‘an honor and a privilege’ to sit next to him.
“I have witnessed firsthand his enduring commitment to strong journalism and public service,” Brennan said in a statement.
“After 15 years, Australians will dearly miss his presence every morning, but I know we all appreciate the incredible efforts he has made to News Breakfast for so long.
“Michael, I hope this next chapter brings long sleep-ins and more time to stay up late and babysit your beloved Doggies!”