Very interesting. The language here used says to me something went down. It’s quite forward and aggressive.
“I’ve resigned from the ABC”.
Usually when people announce they’re leaving a network it’s much more “sad news today…” language but this is different.
Odd way of announcing it. Sad she’s going - was great!
Yeah nah
Yes, did sound odd and in the replies there’s one from Steph Ferrier who seemed surprised by it and I’d imagine with both their roles they would have worked relatively closely on Breakfast despite being in different states.
Doesn’t Lara have a young child also? That could also be one of the reasons… could also explain being blunt too!
Totally shocked by the possibility that someone is leaving the ABC on bad terms. I’m sure that’s never happened before.
Wednesday 8th Feb:
Brittney Kleyn presented ABC News Queensland tonight.
As posted in the Content and Appearance thread, Matt Wordsworth is leaving the ABC. I expect Jess van Vanderon to replace him.
Seemingly run by his wife or at least someone with the same surname.
Account @ed doesn’t exist…
A fairly big loss for ABC Queensland. Though viewers had become fairly familiar with Jessica when Matt took long service leave last year, so the transition shouldn’t have a big impact.
Lexy surely takes over?
I thought Jess Van Vonderan would have taken over from Karina but Matt did. Maybe declined the offer? Hopefully she does.
Either way QLD has a good fill in line up: Lexy, Brittany, Louisa. All familiar faces.
I’m not really a fan. Lexy over summer was a nice change. Hopefully her experience means she gets the bump up.
Saturday 18 February -
Bridget Rollason presenting in Victoria tonight.
National medical reporter Sophie Scott left the ABC last week. She will focus on work in the mental health and communication space in addition to maintaining her duties as adjunct associate professor at the University of Notre Dame medical school.
Also, according to Mediaweek, Girish Sawlani has changed roles at the ABC and will now file stories across online, TV and radio as a reporter and producer based in Melbourne. He was previously a supervising producer and presenter for The World and was also Canberra correspondent for ABC Radio Australia.
Tuesday 21th February 2023:
Lexy Hamilton-Smith is reading ABC News QLD tonight.
Jessica Van Vonderen read Monday night. Unsure what the presenting schedule is going to look like moving forward, following the resignation of Matt Wordsworth.
Wednesday 22nd February 2023:
Matt Wordsworth back reading ABC News QLD tonight.
I wonder if his contract ends at a point so he’s presenting till then
That would be right. He’s not high-profile enough or leaving to a competitor to be granted gardening leave.