Who will replace Lisa Millar? Two names are major contenders for the ABC’s breakfast television co-host role
At the ABC, two names are leading contenders to replace News Breakfast co-presenter Lisa Millar, who announced her departure this week.
On Wednesday, Millar announced live on radio that she is leaving ABC News Breakfast after co-presenting the program for five years.
Bridget Brennan and Emma Rebellato are two top contenders to replace the longtime co-host, according to TV Tonight.
Brennan is currently a newsreader on the ABC’s breakfast program and was previously the ABC’s Indigenous Affairs editor, Europe correspondent in London and national Indigenous Affairs correspondent.
Rebellato has been with the ABC since 2008 and has worked in various newsrooms in Adelaide.
She previously worked at FiveAA in Adelaide and then became the first breakfast newsreader at Nova 919.
Millar’s last day at ABC News Breakfast is Friday, August 23.
“What an amazing past five years it has been, whether it was interviewing prime ministers and international opinion makers or getting karaoke encouragement from my childhood idol Gladys Knight,” Millar said on Wednesday’s programme.
ABC star Lisa Millar has announced she is leaving ABC News Breakfast on Wednesday
‘In 35 years of journalism, I have never done anything so exciting, unpredictable and fun. It only worked because of the amazing team behind the cameras and behind the scenes who kept me laughing.’
Millar will remain with the national broadcaster in a project-based role.
“I’m going to have more adventures with Back Roads and Muster Dogs. Muster Dogs is getting bigger and bigger. So much to do, and exciting new projects. That means goodbye,” she said.
Millar also appeared on the show last year and was controversial when she wore a skirt with a high slit, which some viewers felt was too revealing.
Millar said she was disgusted by the comments, especially as they came so close to International Women’s Day.
Bridget Brennan (right) is one of two frontrunners to replace the longtime co-host. Pictured with Michael Rowland
Emma Rebellato, who joined the ABC in 2008, is also a top contender. Pictured with Lisa Millar
“The fact that what I wore on Monday prompted nasty comments on Twitter, disgusting personal insults that I would not and could not repeat here — that was disturbing,” she said at the time.
‘I am angry, on this International Women’s Day. Angry on my own behalf and also on behalf of other women, young women, who see these stories and see someone like me being violently abused day in and day out for whatever reason bullies can think of.
“I fear you get the feeling that no progress is being made and that it is not worth it to appear as a woman in the public arena.”
Millar went on to say that she had received an outpouring of support following the trolling, which gave her “hope.”
Millar first presented ABC News Breakfast in 2018 and became a regular presenter alongside Michael Rowland the following year.
Millar’s last day at ABC News Breakfast is Friday, August 23
She joined ABC in 1993 and is one of the network’s longest-serving foreign correspondents, having served as bureau chief in both the U.S. and Europe.
According to ABC News president Justin Stevens, the network values Millar “tremendously.”
“Lisa Millar is a fantastic journalist and presenter who embodies the best values and attributes of ABC journalists,” he said.
‘While we are sad to lose her to News, I am delighted that she is seizing this opportunity and going from strength to strength at the ABC.
‘She’s done a fantastic job over the past five years as the presenter of News Breakfast – one of the toughest jobs on Australian television.
‘The tireless hours she worked never got in the way of her incredible warmth and energy, nor did her passion for putting on the best program for the audience.’