ABC RN announces new shows and voices in 2019
ABC RN will explore the issues and ideas that matter to Australians in 2019 with new thought-provoking national shows and presenters to stir the mind and spirit across sport, religion, culture, work and life.
ABC RN Manager Cath Dwyer said: “Amid the constant churn of the 24-7 information and misinformation cycle, Australians need a forum where important issues and ideas are explored in substantial and meaningful ways.
“ABC RN will continue to nurture the intellectual and cultural life of all Australians in 2019 by welcoming new voices and conversations to our extensive schedule of programs and podcasts.”
NEW TO ABC RN IN 2019
Sporty (Saturdays 10.30am, replayed Mondays 5.30am)
RN will return to the playing field with the launch of Sporty , a new program for sports enthusiasts and anyone interested in general fitness. Presenter Amanda Smith, current host of RN’s Life Matters, will debate and celebrate the social and cultural significance of sport, its health implications and the big business of physical activity.
In 2019, Life Matters , your guide to contemporary Australian life, will be presented by ABC Melbourne Saturday Breakfast’s Hilary Harper, who will bring her warm and engaging style to national audiences Mondays to Thursdays from 9am. Life Matters’ Michael Mackenzie will present the program on Fridays at 9am and Weekend Life Matters on Saturdays at 3pm.
Soul Search (Sundays 6pm, replayed Thursdays 12pm)
RN’s new Religion & Ethics program Soul Search will explore the growing desire for meaning in our lives, examining what people believe and why. Presenter Dr Meredith Lake will host a national conversation on faith and meaning in Australia.
Soul Search will replace The Spirit of Things, following presenter Dr Rachael Kohn’s decision to retire from the ABC. Soul Search will take up where The Spirit’ s journey leaves off, ensuring that religion and ethics remain central to Sunday evenings on RN.
“Over 21 years on The Spirit of Things I have spoken with people about every kind of spiritual experience and religion, and have been profoundly touched,” Rachael says. “I have been blessed to have that privilege and wish to thank the ABC for their continued commitment to stories about religion, spirituality and the search for meaning.”
This Working Life (Tuesdays 11.30am, replayed Sundays 8.30pm)
In 2019, Best Practice will become a broader discussion about the social and cultural aspects of workplaces and how work impacts us under the new title This Working Life . The show is for all workplaces and workers – regardless of their rung on the corporate ladder – with coverage of different organisations and business leaders.
This Working Life will be hosted by Lisa Leong, a broadcaster, CEO and former lawyer. Best Practice presenter Richard Aedy will turn his talents to creating in-depth feature series for the ABC in line with his successful Class Act series in 2018, which examined growing inequality in Australia. Richard will also continue presenting RN’s The Money .
Extended Sunday Extra (7am Sundays, replayed Mondays 2am)
Sunday Extra will be extended by 30 minutes to include features and interviews from the ABC’s extensive network of international correspondents, as part of its mix of current affairs, analysis and investigations. The international reports on Sunday Extra will replace Correspondents Report, with presenter Hugh Riminton, himself a former foreign correspondent, bringing listeners the best of our overseas storytelling.
World Docos (Saturdays 7pm, replayed Fridays 1am)
The world’s best radio documentaries will be showcased in a new program that draws on the archives of the ABC and our broadcast partners. World Docos brings to life stories about people, society and cultures from Australia and the world.
The Arts on RN (Mondays to Fridays 10am)
In 2019, RN will continue to lead national conversations about arts and culture under a new series of names. The Book Show (formerly The Hub on Books ) will move to Mondays, with literary interviews, news and analysis. On Tuesdays, The Stage Show ( formerly The Hub on Stage ) will cover theatre, dance, comedy, opera and musicals. On Wednesdays, The Art Show (formerly The Hub on Art ) will be the “go to” place for issues affecting artists and audiences. On Thursdays, The Screen Show (formerly The Hub on Screen ) will explore the worlds of film and television.
RETURNING TO ABC RN IN 2019
Listeners will continue to enjoy their favourite RN returning programs and podcasts in 2019 .