Replacement for Leigh Sales revealed
Two months after veteran journalist Leigh Sales announced she would be leaving the ABC, her replacement has been announced.
Taking over the current affairs show 7.30 will be Sarah Ferguson, current host of Four Corners.
The 56-year-old multi-award-winning journalist will take over the program when Leigh Sales steps down in June after the federal election.
“I’m delighted to take on the presenter role at 7.30,” Ferguson said in a statement.
She added, “Led by Leigh Sales and chief political correspondent Laura Tingle, the 7.30 team has created a powerhouse program, making superb current affairs journalism on the cutting edge of the genre. Working in collaboration with the inimitable Laura is irresistible. Adding myself into that mix sounds tremendously rewarding at a time when scrutiny of power is essential, when our social structures are undergoing profound change."
“On Leigh’s departure, I’d like to say that her diligence and skill have made an enormous contribution to Australian journalism. What you don’t see in her calm studio presence is the huge amount of work she does in preparation. It will be a pleasure to take over from such a pro.'
“Public service journalism has to deliver for the Australian audience, all day, every day. No one in Australia should ever feel they have no voice. It‘s our job to show how public broadcasting can create a place for everyone to come and debate, think deeply, be thrilled, entertained and sometimes provoked. This is the opposite of seeking to polarise in ways we are seeing in media worldwide.”
Leigh Sales announced she would be leaving 7.30 in February to spend more time with her family, and feeling drawn to "pass the baton to the next runner in the race".
Sarah Ferguson will move back to Australia from Washington, and will be in the 7.30 presenter’s chair from July 4th.
Image credits: ABC