Entertainment world shake-up: ABC cut ties with radio icon amidst growing controversy
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The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has made a decision that has sent ripples through the radio industry and among its audience.
A veteran journalist and a familiar voice to many, she has been let go from her role as the host of the Mornings show on ABC Radio Sydney.
The announcement was made live on air, disappointing fans and colleagues alike. However, it has also sparked a conversation about the future of radio and the treatment of seasoned professionals in the media.
Sarah Macdonald's journey with the ABC began in her twenties when she secured a cadetship at ABC Radio News.
Over the years, she became a staple of the Australian airwaves, known for her sharp wit, engaging interviews, and the ability to handle hard-hitting news and lighter cultural segments with equal finesse.
Her career has been marked by notable achievements, including scoring the first interview with the new governor-general and getting the premier of New South Wales to engage with callers on her show regularly.
Despite her show's promising ratings and significant contributions to the station, Macdonald, 58, informed her listeners that ABC had chosen to keep her contract for 2025.
'I am proud of what I’ve done. The ratings are up. I’ve broken many stories...led the election coverage, led the move to our Parramatta studios,' she said.
The news of her sacking has prompted an outpouring of support from colleagues and listeners.
Paul Barry, host of Media Watch, expressed his disbelief on social media, praising Macdonald as 'brilliant, one of the best things on radio.'
Lisa McGregor, producer of Australian Story, highlighted Macdonald's versatility and excellence as an interviewer.
‘In shock that @ABCaustralia has not renewed Sarah Macdonald’s contract on ABC Radio Sydney. She’s lively, warm, informed, and an excellent interviewer. She can do hard and soft news, pop culture & human stories. What on earth is the reason ABC? Bad decision.’ she said.
‘An appalling decision by #abcradio to not renew the contract of Sarah Macdonald. Why do so many of the old men of radio at the ABC seem to stay, and stay, and stay…but its blazingly capable, whip-smart women are sidelined?’ Author Nikki Gemmell added.
Listeners have also voiced their dismay, with many highlighting Macdonald's role in increasing the audience for ABC Sydney and her connection with her audience.
‘ABC have got this very wrong. Sarah MacDonald is so good,’ one said.
‘Seems a crazy decision given how much Sarah Macdonald has done to increase the audience for ABC Sydney and how loved she is by that audience,’ another wrote.
Some have even called for ABC Radio's decision-makers to reconsider, fearing the loss of listeners who have followed Macdonald since her days at Triple J.
Macdonald's departure is part of a broader shakeup at ABC Radio, with reports suggesting that other changes are on the horizon, including Fran Kelly's potential return to daily news after leaving RN Breakfast in 2021.
Throughout her career, Macdonald has been a presence on the radio and television, with stints on programs like Recovery, Race Around the World, and Two Shot.
After living in India with her husband, Jonathan Harley, an ABC foreign correspondent, she returned to Australia to rejoin ABC Radio.
She hosted the Evenings program for three years before taking over Mornings in January 2023.
Have you been a long-time listener of Sarah Macdonald? What do you think her departure signifies for the future of radio broadcasting? Join the conversation in the comments below.
A veteran journalist and a familiar voice to many, she has been let go from her role as the host of the Mornings show on ABC Radio Sydney.
The announcement was made live on air, disappointing fans and colleagues alike. However, it has also sparked a conversation about the future of radio and the treatment of seasoned professionals in the media.
Sarah Macdonald's journey with the ABC began in her twenties when she secured a cadetship at ABC Radio News.
Over the years, she became a staple of the Australian airwaves, known for her sharp wit, engaging interviews, and the ability to handle hard-hitting news and lighter cultural segments with equal finesse.
It was announced live on-air by an ABC Radio presenter that her contract would not be renewed for 2025 despite strong ratings. Credit: X
Her career has been marked by notable achievements, including scoring the first interview with the new governor-general and getting the premier of New South Wales to engage with callers on her show regularly.
Despite her show's promising ratings and significant contributions to the station, Macdonald, 58, informed her listeners that ABC had chosen to keep her contract for 2025.
'I am proud of what I’ve done. The ratings are up. I’ve broken many stories...led the election coverage, led the move to our Parramatta studios,' she said.
The news of her sacking has prompted an outpouring of support from colleagues and listeners.
Paul Barry, host of Media Watch, expressed his disbelief on social media, praising Macdonald as 'brilliant, one of the best things on radio.'
Lisa McGregor, producer of Australian Story, highlighted Macdonald's versatility and excellence as an interviewer.
‘In shock that @ABCaustralia has not renewed Sarah Macdonald’s contract on ABC Radio Sydney. She’s lively, warm, informed, and an excellent interviewer. She can do hard and soft news, pop culture & human stories. What on earth is the reason ABC? Bad decision.’ she said.
‘An appalling decision by #abcradio to not renew the contract of Sarah Macdonald. Why do so many of the old men of radio at the ABC seem to stay, and stay, and stay…but its blazingly capable, whip-smart women are sidelined?’ Author Nikki Gemmell added.
Listeners have also voiced their dismay, with many highlighting Macdonald's role in increasing the audience for ABC Sydney and her connection with her audience.
‘ABC have got this very wrong. Sarah MacDonald is so good,’ one said.
‘Seems a crazy decision given how much Sarah Macdonald has done to increase the audience for ABC Sydney and how loved she is by that audience,’ another wrote.
Some have even called for ABC Radio's decision-makers to reconsider, fearing the loss of listeners who have followed Macdonald since her days at Triple J.
Macdonald's departure is part of a broader shakeup at ABC Radio, with reports suggesting that other changes are on the horizon, including Fran Kelly's potential return to daily news after leaving RN Breakfast in 2021.
Throughout her career, Macdonald has been a presence on the radio and television, with stints on programs like Recovery, Race Around the World, and Two Shot.
After living in India with her husband, Jonathan Harley, an ABC foreign correspondent, she returned to Australia to rejoin ABC Radio.
She hosted the Evenings program for three years before taking over Mornings in January 2023.
