Lisa Millar announced as ABC News Breakfast co-host to replace Virginia Trioli
Lisa Millar will be joining Michael Rowland on the couch as the new ABC News Breakfast co-host. Millar replaces current co-host Virginia Trioli as of Monday 19 August.
Alongside the new host, Rowland will also be taking on an additional role as ABC’s senior network presenter.
It was announced earlier this year that Trioli would be moving to Melbourne in 2020 to take over from Jon Faine as the presenter of the Mornings program on ABC Radio Melbourne.
Rowland and Millar worked together in Canberra earlier in their careers. Since then, Millar has been a foreign correspondent, joining the ABC in 1993 and taking roles from the US to the UK. She’s also a regular fill-in host on News Breakfast.
Since returning to Australia in October 2018, she has held a roving reporting and presenting role, including being a regular guest presenter on Back Roads.
Millar returned to Australia in October 2018 from overseas postings in the US and Europe. She said she can’t wait to join the Breakfast team.
“I’ve been traveling quite a bit in regional Australia since I got back and people are always asking me about the Brekky team and whether everyone is as nice and friendly as they seem,” Millar said.
“The answer is a definite yes. And I can’t wait to join them.”
Millar: Can’t wait to join the team
Rowland’s new role will see him pick up additional hosting duties across the network alongside the co-presenting of News Breakfast. He’ll be anchoring coverage of big local and world events across ABC News, including the 7pm News, the broadcaster said.
“I look forward to drawing on my experience as a foreign correspondent, and the dozens of on-location broadcasts I’ve hosted for News Breakfast over the years, to bring to ABC audiences breaking stories from around Australia and around the world,” Rowland said.
“I’m also so excited to be sharing the Breakfast couch with Lisa Millar. She’s undoubtedly one of this country’s finest journalists and brings a genuine warmth and empathy to the screen. And we’re great mates.
“It’s been a pleasure working alongside Virginia for the past nine years – we’ve been part of a formidable team. ABC Radio Melbourne will benefit enormously from her broadcasting prowess.”
Trioli’s farewell program will be Thursday 15 August. Trioli said Millar is the perfect fit for the role.
“I’m so happy for Lisa and for the fabulous News Breakfast audience that they’re going to spend mornings together. Lisa’s a brilliant journalist and communicator and this is a perfect fit,” said Trioli.
“I’m bubble-wrapping my alarm clock and sending it over.”
Lisa Millar is a real Pro one of Australia’s best Journos. With her experience and interviewing skills she is a great addition to ABC News Breakfast and a huge improvement on Virginia Trioli.
Look out Today Show, News Breakfast is coming for you…..
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“…a huge improvement on Virginia Trioli.”
Wow, that’s a bit rough for someone who’s made the ABC worth watching and listening.
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A terrific appointment … Lisa Millar is a real pro as a journo and a top-shelf person. I really liked Virginia T, but Millar is an exceptional replacement.
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Thanks Virginia. Lisa will be excellent replacement. I enjoy ABC breakfast.
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I may now consider watching the ABC news again I found Virginia over opinionated and quite biased when I want to see the news reported not created and certainly I have little time for her opinions. Progress I hope. Fortunately I do not live in Melbourne…
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I will truly miss Virginia Trioli’s distinctly personal style on ABC Breakfast.
She strikes the right balance between impartial professional news delivery and giving personal opinion
She is appears to be a generous colleague and is a fun loving presenter
Thanks Virginia and good luck in Victoria
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The addition of Lisa Millar is exceptional and none too soon . Virginia Triolli [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy]. She became quite strident and aggressive , she [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy] I feel. Everyone was walking on eggshells.
The whole morning programme has taken on a new atmosphere . Everyone has relaxed and so the program has become a pleasure to watch and enjoy.
Even the sports reporter is happy and smiling . I love the ABC but the breakfast program had become truly exhausting ., so I stopped watching . I’m back .
Michael is amazing and Lisa just so talented and pleasant.
You will win back support when people get to know Virginia has GONE and pleasant politeness and respect for fellow presenters has arrived.
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