10 News First Adelaide appoints Kate Freebairn and Max Burford as 2023 presenters
South Australia’s Kate Freebairn and Max Burford have been appointed to present 10 News First Adelaide, starting in 2023.
The announcement:
Network 10 today announced the appointment of accomplished South Australian journalists Kate Freebairn and Max Burford to front Adelaide’s 10 News First weekday bulletin commencing in 2023.
From early next year, esteemed Network 10 presenter Kate Freebairn who is currently on maternity leave, will return to the network in the new position of Adelaide news presenter, while Adelaide’s award-winning 10 News First sport journalist, Max Burford has been appointed to the role of Adelaide sports presenter.
The appointments will coincide with a refreshed live weekday bulletin format, which will offer Adelaide audiences more local content across news, sport, weather, events and current affairs. Kate Freebairn said: “After a year-long break to focus on life as a Mum, I couldn’t be more excited to be heading back to work and taking on this new role.
“I’m a proud South Australian and it will always be home to me, so I’m grateful to have the opportunity to continue to connect with our local audience and work closely with my colleagues and friends in the Adelaide newsroom.”
Max Burford said: “I have fond memories from my childhood switching on 10’s news for the sport breaks, and now to be on the other side presenting sport is going to be a surreal experience.
“And while I fell a (very) long way short of any professional sporting career, to report on what I love and call it work is a true honour and dream opportunity. I can’t wait to get out and about, bringing everyone the latest sport news from our iconic venues around Adelaide.”
The new presenting line up coupled with the existing team of credible journalists leading the Adelaide newsroom, underpins the network’s ongoing commitment and investment in news resources to remain live and local for the community of South Australia.
Martin White, head of broadcast news, said: “Local stories are at the heart of 10 News First. We pride ourselves on journalism that matters to people, and that’s exactly what we deliver in Adelaide every night at 5pm. I’m excited about the evolution in our approach in South Australia and thrilled to have Kate and Max leading our comprehensive Adelaide coverage.”
Gerda Jezuchowski, executive editor 10 News First Adelaide, added: “Kate Freebairn has long been a pivotal member of the 10 News First presenting team – and it’s wonderful to welcome her to the helm as our lead news anchor, on her return from maternity leave.
“I’m equally delighted to announce Max Burford as presenter of sport. The 2023 local refresh of 10 News First Adelaide is incredibly exciting – and backed as ever – by our dedicated and professional team of journalists, camera operators and producers from our Eastwood newsroom.”
Born and raised in Adelaide, Kate has been with the network for over 15 years and in this time has held various positions across Network 10 Adelaide and Melbourne. Initially starting her posting in 2007 as environmental reporter with Adelaide’s 10 News First, in 2013 Kate was appointed the weather presenter role following training with the Bureau of Meteorology in Melbourne.
Most recently, Kate has held the position of weather presenter for 10 News First Melbourne and Adelaide, and as a familiar face to audiences right across Australia, Kate has also been a regular on network programs including 10 News First’s national weekend service, Studio 10 and 10’s Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Max joined 10 News First Adelaide in 2015 as full-time journalist and his extensive knowledge of sport and passion for the industry saw him quickly transition into the sports division. Max’s ability to deliver informative and engaging content has been celebrated amongst industry peers when he was awarded Best Young Journalist in 2018 at the prestigious SA Media Awards.
Max’s highlights with the network have included postings overseas to cover the Socceroos in Korea, English Premiere League teams’ Australian tour and sideline reporting for 10 Sport Football. Max is also a regular voice across Adelaide’s radio airwaves, having joined Nova 919’s Saturday breakfast radio show in 2021.
Kate who relocated to Sydney with her family earlier this year, will spend her time between both markets presenting Adelaide’s 10 News First bulletin live from Sydney’s Pyrmont studio and Adelaide’s new Greenhill Road premises in Eastwood. Max will be based in Adelaide and present sport live in market.
Source: Network 10
