Revealed: The rising star tipped to take over Michael Rowland’s plum ABC News Breakfast hosting gig
A rising media star has been tipped to replace ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland following his shock resignation on Monday.
ABC’s 7pm news anchor James Glenday is said to be the most likely candidate to step into the role The Sydney Morning Herald.
Glenday has appeared regularly as a substitute on the program and will complete his role as newsreader in Canberra in the coming weeks.
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.
When contacted for comment, an ABC spokesperson told the publication that it is “too early to confirm the 2025 lineup.”
Michael, 55, announced the shock news of his departure to viewers on Monday morning, revealing his last show would be on Friday, December 13.
A rising media star has been tipped to replace ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland (pictured) following his shock on-air dismissal on Monday
“I’m leaving News Breakfast,” Rowland announced.
“I’m sorry for the short-term viewers. I’m not someone who likes long, drawn-out goodbyes and I wanted as little fuss 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.
“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.
ABC’s 7pm newsreader James Glenday (left) is the most likely candidate to step into the role, according to The Sydney Morning Herald
Glenday has appeared regularly as a substitute on the program and will complete his role as newsreader based in Canberra in the coming weeks.
“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 Brennan 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!”