‘Walking away from the ABC and a job I love is no easy decision’: Beverley O’Connor announces departure
Beverley O’Connor has called time on a stellar 15-year run at ABC.
The current presenter of global news program The World, O’Connor said walking away from the national broadcaster was “no easy decision” to make.
“To have had the privilege of having conversations with some of the world’s great thinkers, players and analysts and personally gain a deep knowledge of so many parts of the globe’s been immensely fulfilling,” she said.
“I’ve been blessed to have had such a varied and interesting career, taking risks from time to time to challenge and broaden my horizons.
“But to end my ABC career with the talented team at APN has been a joy. My enormous thanks to Matthew O’Sullivan for his outstanding leadership and to my family at The World led by Jeremy O’Connell for all the dedication, support and fun.
“Walking away from the ABC and a job I love is no easy decision.”
Jeremy O’Connell, executive producer of The World said: “Bev’s skills and knowledge as a journalist, anchor, producer, writer, interviewer, and presenter, along with her incredible sense of style, will be missed deeply by everyone in the newsroom.”
ABC News’ managing director Matt O’Sullivan added: “Bev has been an integral part of The World’s growing reputation at home and abroad as leading the way in daily international news and current affairs, particularly in Asia and the Pacific.
“Bev is always widely read, highly engaged and comes armed with ideas about how stories should be done. Bev’s departure leaves a huge hole in our newsroom, but her influence will continue to be felt – from her mentorship of new presenters and calm approach to the wildest of on-air curveballs to her encyclopaedic knowledge of international affairs and tenacious attention to detail.”
O’Connor started her career in the ABC newsrooms more than 35 years ago, covering state politics, and becoming economics correspondent for the broadcaster, before moving onto Local Radio to present news, and Melbourne breakfast. After a presenting stint on Stateline, she served for seven years as the first female vice president of an AFL club – before becoming Seven’s first female sports anchor.
She returned to the ABC 15 years ago, presenting on News Breakfast, the 7PM News, and with the Australia Network, before her ten-year run at The World.
ABC News director Justin Stevens said of O’Connor’s recent career: “Over the past decade Bev has brought viewers news of countless stories, including European terror attacks, Hong Kong protests, earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis, Brexit, #MeToo, COVID, a royal wedding, the rise and fall of ISIS, the impacts of climate change, Donald Trump, the European refugee crisis, the death of the Queen and the coronation of the King.”
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Thank you Bev. You will be missed. You are great at asking the hard questions and an ace at directing the conversation. The World is my favourite show and it is going to take some getting used to it without you there. Wishing you all the best. X
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Bev is a real “pro”.She researches her subject matter.
Very thorough in all aspects.
Not frightened to ask the hard questions(no matter who that person is)
She will be greatly missed.
All the very best for your next career move Bev.
Cheers.
Peter Halton
Western Australia
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