The morning routine for many Australians includes a cup of coffee and the familiar faces of ABC News Breakfast. However, change is brewing at the ABC as the network has announced the new lineup set to replace outgoing breakfast TV stars Michael Rowland and Tony Armstrong. The announcement has sparked curiosity and anticipation among viewers eager to see how the new hosts will shape the future of morning television.
James Glenday, a seasoned journalist with a wealth of international experience, is stepping into the role vacated by Michael Rowland. Glenday’s career has taken him across Europe and North America as a correspondent, and he has reported from over 40 countries. His move to the breakfast couch alongside co-host Bridget Brennan marks a new chapter for the program, which has undergone significant changes in its lineup over the past year.
Bridget Brennan, who replaced former co-host Lisa Millar, will now be joined by Glenday, a familiar face to the ABC audience. Glenday’s rapport with Brennan, a longtime friend, and his self-deprecating humour promise to bring a fresh dynamic to the show. Despite his expressed sadness at leaving Canberra, which he affectionately calls ‘the beating heart of Australia,’ Glenday seems to be embracing the new opportunity with open arms and a touch of his characteristic wit.
Catherine Murphy, a sports presenter who has become a regular on the breakfast couch, is set to permanently fill the shoes of Tony Armstrong. Murphy’s enthusiasm for the role is palpable; she has declared that News Breakfast is the only show for which she would willingly set her alarm at 3 am. Her background with Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ and her work on the ABC’s News channel and News Radio have made her a familiar and respected figure to Australian audiences.
The ABC’s director of news, Justin Stevens, has expressed confidence in the new team, highlighting Glenday’s natural presenting skills and the collective ability of the lineup to continue delivering robust and entertaining news each morning. The transition in the news division appears to be a strategic move, aiming for a smooth handover despite the recent tumultuous changes in the radio division, which have led to public outcry and internal discontent.
As the new team prepares to take over on Monday, 20 January, viewers will be watching closely to see how the chemistry between the new co-hosts develops and whether the program can maintain the high standards set by its predecessors. The remaining members of the News Breakfast team, including meteorologist Nate Byrne, presenter Charles Brice, and newsreader Emma Rebellato, will provide continuity and support as the show moves into this new era.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts on the new ABC News Breakfast lineup. Are you excited to see what James Glenday and Catherine Murphy will bring to the table? Do you have fond memories of Michael Rowland and Tony Armstrong that you’d like to share? Join the conversation in the comments below and let us know your take on this new chapter in Australian morning television.
