Sally Sara has been appointed as the new host for ABC Radio National Breakfast, taking over from Patricia Karvelas. This transition comes as Sara expresses her excitement about engaging audiences through diverse stories from Australia and abroad.

Sally Sara Appointed as New Host for ABC Radio National Breakfast Following Patricia Karvelas

Sally Sara Brings Extensive Experience to ABC Radio National Breakfast

Sally Sara has previously reported from over 40 countries in her role as an ABC foreign correspondent, covering critical regions including Afghanistan, Iraq, Africa, and India. With a strong background in audio journalism, Sara has served as the presenter for The World Today since 2020. On Friday morning, she shared her enthusiasm for joining the team, emphasizing her dedication to captivating audiences with relevant stories from both national and international spheres.

Patricia Karvelas Steps Down After a Decade

Patricia Karvelas announced her departure from the ABC Radio National Breakfast show in October, citing the need for a change after a significant ten-year tenure. She expressed her intention to pursue new opportunities while indicating her readiness for a cross-platform role. Karvelas has faced challenges in listener engagement, as recent surveys indicated a decline in the program's audience share, placing it last in Sydney.

Concerns Over Audience Ratings and Future Direction

ABC chairman Kim Williams voiced concerns about the dwindling ratings in June and signaled potential changes needed to revitalize Radio National. He highlighted a desire to see increased audience engagement and raised expectations for the network's role in Australia. Karvelas, who joined ABC in 2015 after a career at The Australian and a stint at Sky News, had previously addressed concerns about perceived political bias during her time as Breakfast host.

Karvelas Advocated for Indigenous Rights While Facing Personal Challenges

Throughout her career, Karvelas has been an outspoken supporter of the Albanese government’s Indigenous Voice to Parliament, notably expressing her support alongside Labor's Indigenous Affairs spokeswoman, Linda Burney. Despite allegations of bias, ABC Managing Director David Anderson maintained that Karvelas did not exhibit political bias in her reporting. In 2023, she publicly addressed the struggles she encountered as a closeted lesbian in journalism, reflecting on her past experiences and the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the industry.

Karvelas Emphasizes Authenticity in Broadcasting

Karvelas acknowledged the evolving acceptance of LGBTQ+ journalists compared to her early career while cautioning about the balance between personal authenticity and professional representation. She stated the importance of being true to oneself to perform effectively in her broadcasting role. Karvelas shares two daughters with her wife, underscoring her commitment to both personal and professional facets of her life.