Shock exits at the ABC as insiders reveal why respected hosts are leaving
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Fans were left stunned after two of the most recognisable voices made a shock decision about her future.
First, one veteran broadcaster, who had fronted a flagship program for years, quietly informed management of her intentions.
Now, reports suggest her time with the national broadcaster will come to an end sooner than expected.
Sabra Lane, host of ABC Radio National’s daily AM program since 2017, was reportedly preparing to step away from the microphone by the end of the year.
According to reports, Lane had grown frustrated with the state of the program and had already told senior figures she would not continue.
‘Sabra's finally had enough of it and given [news boss Justin] Stevens notice that she is leaving and that, basically, they need to find another host ASAP,’ one insider said.
‘She's fed up with the quality of the program and the constant under-resourcing of the show.
‘Most days, AM sounds like an extended news bulletin with very little exclusive content other than drops—and that's not what Sabra signed on for.’
The insider added: ‘Despite all the promises from management about reinvesting in radio, nothing is changing.’
Lane first joined the ABC in 2008, working in the Parliament House press gallery and reporting on federal politics for AM, The World Today, and PM.
By 2013, she had become a political correspondent for ABC Television’s 7.30 program, before returning to radio to succeed Michael Brissenden on AM in 2017.
Her departure came at the same time another prominent ABC name announced his exit.
Dan Bourchier, a journalist and presenter who had been with the broadcaster since 2016, revealed last week he was also stepping down.
In a social media post, Bourchier said it had been his ‘absolute privilege’ to spend nearly nine years helping Australians ‘understand each other, our country and our world a little better’.
‘I'm particularly proud of the work I've helped to drive to increase Indigenous representation internally, and create the space for other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to tell their stories in their way,’ he wrote.
‘While leaving is hard, I'm optimistic about the future of the ABC I say goodbye to, and the tremendous leadership across the organisation.
‘Thank you to the loyal audience who has supported, challenged, and backed me.
‘We've navigated some tumultuous news and change of the last decade, together. It's made me a better journalist and a better leader.’
Bourchier began his ABC career in Canberra as the ACT Indigenous Affairs Reporter before taking on roles as ABC Radio Canberra breakfast host and later 7:00 pm TV news presenter.
He went on to co-host The Drum and Insiders, before moving into national reporting during the Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023.
Since early 2024, he had worked across the ABC News Channel, chaired the broadcaster’s Bonner Committee advising on Indigenous content, and frequently filled in on News Breakfast weekend editions.
Changes at the ABC have been making headlines lately, with long-time presenters stepping away and sparking conversations about the network’s direction.
One recent case stirred strong reactions when management decided to replace a well-known radio favourite with a fresh face.
The fallout from that decision offers another glimpse into the challenges facing the broadcaster today.
Read more: Did ABC make a huge mistake by replacing a fan favorite with Hamish Macdonald? Here’s what really happened
Two high-profile departures in quick succession have left many wondering—what does this mean for the future of the ABC?
First, one veteran broadcaster, who had fronted a flagship program for years, quietly informed management of her intentions.
Now, reports suggest her time with the national broadcaster will come to an end sooner than expected.
Sabra Lane, host of ABC Radio National’s daily AM program since 2017, was reportedly preparing to step away from the microphone by the end of the year.
According to reports, Lane had grown frustrated with the state of the program and had already told senior figures she would not continue.
‘Sabra's finally had enough of it and given [news boss Justin] Stevens notice that she is leaving and that, basically, they need to find another host ASAP,’ one insider said.
Veteran hosts quit flagship radio program. Image source: Facebook
‘She's fed up with the quality of the program and the constant under-resourcing of the show.
‘Most days, AM sounds like an extended news bulletin with very little exclusive content other than drops—and that's not what Sabra signed on for.’
The insider added: ‘Despite all the promises from management about reinvesting in radio, nothing is changing.’
Lane first joined the ABC in 2008, working in the Parliament House press gallery and reporting on federal politics for AM, The World Today, and PM.
By 2013, she had become a political correspondent for ABC Television’s 7.30 program, before returning to radio to succeed Michael Brissenden on AM in 2017.
Her departure came at the same time another prominent ABC name announced his exit.
Dan Bourchier, a journalist and presenter who had been with the broadcaster since 2016, revealed last week he was also stepping down.
In a social media post, Bourchier said it had been his ‘absolute privilege’ to spend nearly nine years helping Australians ‘understand each other, our country and our world a little better’.
‘I'm particularly proud of the work I've helped to drive to increase Indigenous representation internally, and create the space for other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to tell their stories in their way,’ he wrote.
‘While leaving is hard, I'm optimistic about the future of the ABC I say goodbye to, and the tremendous leadership across the organisation.
‘Thank you to the loyal audience who has supported, challenged, and backed me.
‘We've navigated some tumultuous news and change of the last decade, together. It's made me a better journalist and a better leader.’
Bourchier began his ABC career in Canberra as the ACT Indigenous Affairs Reporter before taking on roles as ABC Radio Canberra breakfast host and later 7:00 pm TV news presenter.
He went on to co-host The Drum and Insiders, before moving into national reporting during the Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023.
Since early 2024, he had worked across the ABC News Channel, chaired the broadcaster’s Bonner Committee advising on Indigenous content, and frequently filled in on News Breakfast weekend editions.
Changes at the ABC have been making headlines lately, with long-time presenters stepping away and sparking conversations about the network’s direction.
One recent case stirred strong reactions when management decided to replace a well-known radio favourite with a fresh face.
The fallout from that decision offers another glimpse into the challenges facing the broadcaster today.
Read more: Did ABC make a huge mistake by replacing a fan favorite with Hamish Macdonald? Here’s what really happened
Two high-profile departures in quick succession have left many wondering—what does this mean for the future of the ABC?
