A Quarter-Century Farewell: Michael Rowland Hangs Up His ABC Hat After 39 Years
After an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades, veteran Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reporter Michael Rowland has announced his departure from the national broadcaster. The 57-year-old journalist, a familiar face to many Australians, has decided to step away after a remarkable 39-year journey with the ABC, a tenure that began as a cadet journalist in January 1987.
Rowland’s extensive experience encompasses a broad spectrum of journalistic endeavours, from daily news and current affairs to in-depth political reporting. However, it’s his 15-year stint as a co-host on the popular morning program, ABC News Breakfast, that has cemented his status as a beloved and trusted personality on Australian screens.
A Reflective Departure
The decision to leave the ABC, a place he describes as “the professional home of my entire adult life,” was not taken lightly. In a candid reflection, Rowland shared his sentiments: “It was not an easy decision to leave the professional home of my entire adult life, but it was the right one in so many ways.” He expressed immense gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him since his early days as a junior reporter. “I have been very fortunate since joining as a pimply cadet,” he stated. “I’ve had the chance to do pretty much everything — from the overnight shift monitoring police and fire brigades for radio news leads, to presenting various national TV programs. It has been a truly wonderful journey.”
Rowland’s exit from the ABC comes just over a year after he bid farewell to his role on ABC News Breakfast. His departure from the morning show, announced on air in December, came as a shock to many viewers. At the time, Rowland expressed his deep affection for the program: “I love working on News Breakfast. Every morning is a buzz and it’s by far the best job I’ve had at the ABC.” However, he candidly admitted that the gruelling early starts had taken their toll. “But after 15 years of 3am starts my body is screaming ‘enough!’. The hours have finally caught up with me.”
A Career of Landmark Reporting
Michael Rowland’s tenure at the ABC has been marked by his coverage of some of Australia’s most significant national and international events. His impressive portfolio includes:
- Federal and US Elections: Providing insightful analysis and reporting from the front lines of crucial political contests.
- The Black Summer Bushfires: Documenting the devastating impact of the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis.
- Major Flooding Events: Reporting on the widespread destruction and community resilience in the face of significant floods.
- The 100th Anniversary of the Gallipoli Landings: Contributing to the commemoration of a pivotal moment in Australian history.
- The Death of Queen Elizabeth II: Offering comprehensive coverage of a monumental global event.
Gratitude for Viewers and Colleagues
Despite his extensive professional achievements, Rowland emphasised what he will miss the most: his colleagues and, crucially, the viewers. “I will miss the fabulous Brekky team, but I will miss our viewers even more,” he said. “I am intensely proud of helping build the News Breakfast audience over the years. Thank you all sincerely for entrusting me with your mornings.”
Looking ahead, Rowland plans to take a much-needed respite. “I’ll be taking a long break to catch up on sleep and unhook myself from the relentless news cycle for a little while,” he revealed.
A Shifting Landscape at News Breakfast
Rowland’s departure signifies the end of a significant era for ABC News Breakfast. He first joined the ABC in 1987, but his journey with the morning program began in June 2010. It’s worth noting that Rowland is not the only familiar face to have left the News Breakfast couch in 2024. In October, TV WEEK Gold Logie nominee Tony Armstrong also bid farewell to the program after approximately three years. Armstrong described his time on the show as being “on a bit of a rocket ship” and expressed immense gratitude for the support he received. While he too would miss the camaraderie and the audience, he confessed that he wouldn’t miss the early alarms, a sentiment that clearly resonates with Rowland’s own reasons for stepping down.
