Chris Uhlmann to present AM after Virginia Trioli decides to stay on ABC Breakfast
Chris Uhlmann
Just a week after being announced as the new presenter of the ABC current affairs program Virginia Trioli has announced she is “unable to present AM” due to family reasons, with the job falling to Chris Uhlmann.
Trioli will stay on hosting ABC News Breakfast on ABC1 and ABC News 24 with co-host Michael Rowland.
Chris Uhlmann said he was honoured to take up the role of AM presenter. “AM has been the standard-bearer of ABC current affairs for nearly half a century,” said Uhlmann.
“I am honoured and delighted to be asked to present it. Tony Eastley leaves big shoes to fill but I will work hard to ensure that I maintain the excellence of the program. I have worked with executive producer David Burgess in the past and he is an outstanding journalist so I’ll be in a safe pair of hands.”
The current AM host Tony Eastley will move into new position hosting on ABC News 24 from mid-February. Uhlmann will take the AM role from Monday, February 10.
Director of News Kate Torney said: “I’m really looking forward to the high quality broadcast journalism Virginia, Tony and Chris will all bring to their respective programs in 2014.”
The statement:
For family reasons Virginia Trioli has decided she will be unable to present AM.
Virginia will stay on hosting ABC News Breakfast on ABC1 and ABC News 24 with co-host Michael Rowland. This now well-established team will continue to go from strength to strength.
AM will be presented by Chris Uhlmann. As one of ABC News’ most respected journalists – most recently the senior political editor for 7.30 and as a former radio breakfast host – Chris is ideally suited to be the voice of the ABC’s agenda-setting morning radio current affairs program.
Chris Uhlmann said: “AM has been the standard-bearer of ABC current affairs for nearly half a century. I am honoured and delighted to be asked to present it. Tony Eastley leaves big shoes to fill but I will work hard to ensure that I maintain the excellence of the program. I have worked with Executive Producer David Burgess in the past and he is an outstanding journalist so I’ll be in a safe pair of hands.”
Tony Eastley will be moving into his new position hosting on ABC News 24 from mid-February. Chris will be in the AM chair from Monday, February 10.
Director of News Kate Torney said: “I’m really looking forward to the high quality broadcast journalism Virginia, Tony and Chris will all bring to their respective programs in 2014.”
That’s a relief
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Yessssssssssssss!!!!!
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Damn. I was looking forward to finally being able to stomach watching ABC News Breakfast.
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I hope it’s the typical ABC reporting – a couple of leftie, greenie, culturally sensitive spokespeople who tell us everything’s OK and its all the right’s fault for everything. ‘Cause no one’s tired of that now, are they?
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I’m not wanting to make light of what the family reasons potentially might be, but you’d think hosting the AM radio show would be a touch more family-friendly than the frightfully early start required for the TV breakfast program.
Am I missing something here?
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Good call Virginia for staying on ABC Breakfastnews with Michael!
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Director of News Kate Torney said: “I’m really looking forward to the high quality broadcast journalism Virginia, Tony and Chris will all bring to their respective programs in 2014.” Poor Michael doesn’t get a guernsey from Kate either it seems.
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I had the same thought Jon but I guess only she knows what will work for the family situation. I’m glad she’ll be back on ABC TV though.
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I have enjoyed AM for many years and now it looks like I will be able to continue enjoying the show. Thank you Tony Eastley, Chris Uhlmann and the ABC.
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