Michael Rowland leaves the ABC after four decades

Michael Rowland has announced he is leaving the ABC after 39 years, with this week being his last.

Rowland joined the ABC in Sydney in February 1987 as a radio news cadet. In a note announcing his decision, Rowland said he can still recall his excitement when he received the call offering him the role.

“My mum reminds me I was gripping the wall next to the phone in shock,” he wrote.

“I could not believe my luck. Thirty-nine years later, I still can’t. But after almost four decades in the grinding environment of daily news and current affairs, and having watched luck run out for so many people, I’ve decided now is a good time to step away.

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“It was not an easy decision to leave the professional home of my entire adult life, but it was the right one in so many ways. I am also now on to my eighth managing director, and while I think Hugh Marks is great, it’s another gentle reminder of how long I have been here.”

In his time at the ABC, Rowland worked across a number of roles, including as state and federal politics reporter, Lateline’s economics correspondent, the Washington correspondent, and co-presenter of ABC News Breakfast, which he joined in 2010 and remained for 15 years.

He left the program in December 2024, and most recently was national affairs reporter for 7.30.

Rowland has anchored ABC coverage of the last five Presidential elections.

“I am tremendously grateful for the many opportunities the ABC has given me over almost four decades,” Rowland wrote. “I have done everything from the overnight police rounds shift as an ABC cadet to presenting various national TV programs. I have had a charmed career.

“In return, I have devoted literally most of my life to the ABC. I am now keen to move on to the next stage – and spend more time with family and friends. Thanks also to all the great colleagues and mentors I have worked with over the years, many of whom have become lifelong friends.”

News director Justin Stevens said: “I’ve known Michael for a number of years and always hugely valued his experience, reliability and heft. I’ve seen first-hand his commitment to audiences and quality news services and his passion for the ABC and public broadcasting.

“While the ABC and audiences will miss him, he has made an indelible contribution and leaves a legacy of fine journalism, absolute professionalism and great personal integrity. It has been a privilege to work alongside him and I know you’ll join me in wishing him the very best.”

Rowland’s final day at the ABC is on Friday. Read his reflections on his time at the ABC here.