Lisa Millar quits ABC News Breakfast
Written by admin on July 3, 2024
ABC News Breakfast host Lisa Millar will step away from her role on the flagship breakfast show after five years with the program.
The veteran journalist announced she would farewell the show later this year to focus on other projects within the ABC but will remain a “regular presence” within the company.
“What a blast the past five years has been, whether it was interviewing prime ministers and global thought leaders or getting karaoke encouragement from my childhood idol Gladys Knight,’’ she said.
Millar said she was “excited to be telling new stories” after more than three decades with ABC News.
“In 35 years of journalism I’ve never done anything so exciting, unpredictable, and fun. It’s only worked because of the awesome team in front of the cameras and behind the scenes who kept me laughing,” she said.
“I’m excited to hit the road and discover more of the incredible stories that make up the remarkable tapestry of our culture. There are so many adventures ahead, whether it be with Back Roads, Muster Dogs, or new projects we’re cooking up. What a privilege it is to be a part of that future.”
Ms Millar thanked the show’s viewers, who have “brought (her) into their homes and lives every morning”.
Millar first joined the ABC in 1993 and has become one of the broadcasters longest-serving foreign correspondents following her time serving as Bureau Chief in the US and Europe.
In 2018, Millar joined co-host Michael Rowland on the couch before permanently joining the program in 2019.
Millar has covered some of the world’s biggest moments, including US presidential elections, the Boston bombing, the Sandy Hook school shooting, Hurricane Sandy, the terrorist attacks in Paris, as well as royal weddings and Olympic Games.
ABC News director Justin Stevens described Millar as a “superb journalist and broadcaster who personifies the very best values and attributes of ABC journalists”.
“She’s done a fantastic job presenting News Breakfast over the past five years – one of the toughest jobs in Australian TV. The relentless hours never impeded her incredible warmth and energy, or her passion for delivering the best program for the audience,” he said.
Long time friend and fellow ABC host Leigh Sales took to social media to applaud Millar’s long standing career.
“The one thing I know after 25 years working with this woman is whatever she delivers is done with quality, warmth and integrity.” she wrote.
“You get a colleague like Lisa working alongside you once in a lifetime and Michael Rowland and the team have benefited hugely from having her there for five years. I’m proud of the amazing job she’s done and can’t wait for the next chapter!”
ABC Chief Content Officer Chris Oliver-Taylor said he is delighted to welcome the “ABC legend” to the broadcaster’s content team to continue her work on programs, Muster Dogs and Back Roads.
“Our audience has always connected with her warmth and sincerity and will be delighted they will get to see more of Lisa right across the entire ABC,” he said.
While some fans of the presenter took to social media to share their disappointment in her decision to step away, many wished her luck in her “future adventures”.
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“Lisa is one of the good ones, clever, always informed, prudent and warm. A huge loss,” one viewer said.
“Loved switching on in the morning and seeing Lisa. The couch will not be the same without her,” another wrote.
Millar will host her final show on August 23 and will present Muster Dogs: Where are they now? later this year.
