Sales and Uhlmann front five day 7.30

The ABC has revealed its plans for the revamped 7.30 Report after the departure of Kerry O’Brien.

The flagship current affairs show will have Leigh Sales as the regular anchor in Sydney with political editor Chris Uhlmann presenting it from Canberra on big political days.

Launching in March, 7.30 will also be extended to Fridays with Stateline folded under the 7.30 banner. The Friday show will be state based. However, on big days for local news, the format will also allow for breakouts from the national programme for state-based reports.

The ABC’s Director of News, Kate Torney said: “By combining the resources of all the existing program teams, there will be increased opportunities for each state to provide its own local edition of 7.30 on other nights when the news agenda demands it. We can and will break out of national programming to cover major state-based stories, using national resources.”