lol, given the criticism of the Melbourne newsroom around here.
Assume Isk will standup. Fingers crossed he brings some stability to the lineup so it’s either Tam or Isk and a rarity that someone else does it.
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Didn’t see this coming.
That’s two of the most experienced journalists (Ian Henderson and Mary Gearin) gone from ABC in Melbourne.
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This is a summary of what Mary Gearin posted on X/Twitter this morning.
Some personal news: This Saturday night’s ABC News bulletin will be my last. After 30 years on and off at the ABC, I’m calling time.
Like many people, I’ve been looking at life in a new way since the pandemic and realise I want to take time to discover myself away from Aunty’s warm embrace for a while, before I work out what’s next for me in journalism and beyond.
I have loved every challenging, crazy, privileged moment of working for the ABC.
I specifically want to thank the audience - I’ve developed a profound sense of connection with you and for that I’m very grateful. I’m honoured to have met people from so many walks of life, across the world, and told their stories.
It’s time for me to explore other adventures, but I leave knowing ABC’s future lies safe in the hand of its critical-thinking workers, never compromising their values.
From being a wide-eyed, permed-up cadet in 1991, to becoming the ABC’s first female TV news sports presenter, a long-form specialist for a decade on 730, Europe Correspondent, its first National Sport Correspondent, & for the past 5 years News presenter and senior journalist in Melbourne - it’s been a rich and stimulating stint working alongside some of the best humans on the planet.
I’m considering various opportunities, but if you’re in need of a journalist- communicator- presenter- strategist- analyst with a focus on community connection and public accountability, decades of contacts and insights, with a side order of puns, hit me up!
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Would be good to see him offered the opportunity.
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Sad to see Mary leaving a big loss to the ABC after all these years.
Ishkandar Razak or Bridget Rollason might replace her.
No news on who has replaced Jeremy on weekends in Sydney or weekends in Brisbane ever since Jessica moved into weeknights? There’s certainly a pattern here.
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A tough day for ABC Canberra as four senior legends, Craig Allen, Narda Gilmore, Susan McDonald & Greg Nelson (not pictured) say goodbye for the final time, taking more than 8 decades experience with them 📺 📻 pic.twitter.com/COsPrDntWg
— James Glenday (@jamesglenday) September 29, 2023
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Looks like Lydia Feng has been appointed to Jeremy Fernandez’s old Fri/Sat 7pm NSW bulletin presenter and back up weeknight role. She does a great job presenting too.
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Both are great
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Mary Gearin’s final news bulletin is now available on iView.
Mary was quite emotional when she made the farewell speech after reading the weather. At the end of the bulletin her family came to the desk and presented her with flowers.
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Hmmm- ‘mutual agreement’ for her to leave???
https://x.com/bridgerollo/status/1708084820910416207?s=20
For what it’s worth, I’ve always liked what I’ve seen of Mary.
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This is an interesting piece, this would be the first time since Bill Birtles was forced to leave China that the ABC has had a journalist. You wonder whether if the relationship continues to improves been Australia and China, whether the ABC opens up a bureau back in China. After years of brutal repression, China's Communist Party tries to turn Xinjiang into a tourism hotspot - ABC News
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I don’t see many westerns travelling to China anytime soon.
Cathay Pacific said just the other weak demand ex Australia is very strong. Not everyone is a Peter Hartcher/Scott Morrison sinophobe.
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Quite the contrary with quite a lot of foreigners who moved out of China during COVID all moving back and foreign citizens with Chinese background all going back and forth.
Interesting nonetheless to see a report into Xinjiang when it’s been one of the most secluded regions of China even before COVID.
According to the iView blurb it appears Isk may have replaced Mary.
More domestic tourism by the sounds of it.
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Wednesday 4 October -
Danny Tran presenting weather in Victoria tonight.
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Yep, Iskhandar Razak is the permanent replacement for Mary Gearin on Friday and Saturday nights, starting tonight.
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Iskhandar Razak appointed ABC Victoria Weekend 7PM News anchor
ABC journalist and presenter Iskhandar Razak is taking over the Weekend Presenter role on ABC Victoria Weekend 7PM News.
Iskhandar replaces Mary Gearin, who recently left the ABC after an award-winning career spanning three decades.
Already a familiar face to Victorian audiences as a fill-in presenter of the weekend news, Iskhandar said he was delighted to be taking on the role permanently.
“Victoria is an amazing place and Victorians are amazing people,” he said. “I really love our audience and our community.
“I’m truly honoured to be given this opportunity. It is a tremendous privilege and responsibility.”
ABC News Director Justin Stevens said Iskhandar would be a great successor to Mary Gearin.
“Iskhandar is an experienced journalist and an accomplished newsreader,” he said.
“We’re excited to see him step into this role and we know he will continue to excel.”
ABOUT ISKHANDAR RAZAK
Iskhandar Razak has been a journalist for 15 years. He has worked for the ABC in South Australia, the Northern Territory, and for the past decade in Victoria.
Since 2016, he has worked in the Melbourne newsroom as a reporter, presenter and producer, covering a range of issues and topics in Victoria and internationally for television, radio and online.
Iskhandar has also worked as a fill-in presenter on ABC News Breakfast, 774 ABC local radio and The World.
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And likely during the week given Tamara’s frequent absences?