Beloved ABC journalist Michael Rowland is leaving the news organisation after almost four decades.
The 7.30 National Affairs reporter shared his decision on News Breakfast and on his Instagram account this morning.
“My wife, Nicki, who you all know, has been unwell over the last year or so,” he said on the breakfast program, which he hosted for 15 years.
After 39 years of bringing Aussies the news, Michael Rowland is leaving the ABC. (Instagram/Michael Rowland)
“I’m wanting to spend more time with her and family and move at a gentler pace.”
He later clarified via Instagram that his wife is “well and truly bouncing back” after her period of ill health.
“Some of the headlines today have suggested she is at death’s door,” Rowland wrote as he shared a photo of the couple, taken on Saturday, as “proof of life”.
“Yes, Nicki has been unwell over the last year or so, but is well and truly bouncing back.”
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In his initial Instagram post announcing his departure, Rowland wrote, “News just in… After 39 years, I am leaving the ABC.
“It’s not easy walking away from my professional home of the last nearly four decades, but in so many respects this is the right decision for me and my family.”
The journalist shared a photo from his first day at the ABC, where he started at age 18.
“I am tremendously grateful for the opportunities the ABC has given me since,” he continued.
“I’ve done everything from the overnight police rounds shift as a cadet to presenting various national TV programs.
“In return, I have devoted literally most of my life to the ABC and I am now keen to move on to the next stage – and spend more time with family and friends.”
Rowland became the co-host of News Breakfast in 2010, spending 15 years on the desk before leaving the role in December 2024.
He was popular among viewers for both his calm composure and his penchance for a pun and a ‘dad joke’.
”I want to say a huge thank you to the ABC audience for watching, listening and reading over the years,” his post ended.
“Hopefully, I’ve left you all just a bit more informed from the thousands of stories I’ve reported and presented, and a bit brighter from my dubious gags on breakfast TV.
“I’ve loved it all.”
Rowland will finish at the end of this week, and told News Breakfast he would be working casually or part-time for the immediate future.
Industry peers including Nine’s Peter Hitchener wished the presenter well in the comments.
“Congratulations Michael on everything you have achieved. Always the professional that you are,” Hitchener wrote.
“Thank you for being my friend and I look forward to catching up again soon.”
“Huge decision, huge congrats. The outside world awaits,” comedian Sammy J wrote.
James Glenday, who replaced Rowland as co-host of News Breakfast, said, “You will be missed mate. Thanks for everything, even the Dad jokes.”
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