What's New
BY Jen Seyderhelm June 1, 2026
What's New November 28, 2024
ABC Chair Kim Williams addresses Sarah Macdonald’s departure
Reporter
If Sarah Macdonald felt blindsided by the decision not to renew her contract as ABC Sydney Mornings host, then her audience was just as confused, judging by the backlash.
It’s not often a story about a radio departure generates such a huge – and passionate – response.
It’s now been a week since Macdonald broke the news to her listeners that she wouldn’t be returning in 2025, and not by choice.
Social media pages exploded and and still, the comments to both the Radio Today inbox and Facebook page just keep on coming.
“Sarah not being renewed is incomprehensible. To me, at least, she is brilliant.”
“A sad day for radio to lose Sarah, especially when she’s empathic, insightful and a ratings machine to boot!”
“I cannot believe Sarah Macdonald has not had her contact renewed. This is a very sad day for Sydney radio.”
“I think Sarah is an absolute gem of a presenter . She is the best. So polished, intelligent and humorous. I think Sarah is actually irreplaceable.”
These are just a small sample of the dozens and dozens of comments received to date.
But ABC Chair Kim Williams has backed the decision, saying the programming changes at the national broadcaster are all part of life in the media industry.
During his address to National Press Club yesterday, Williams was asked about Macdonald’s “sacking.” He responded:
“It’s inaccurate to say that Sarah Macdonald has been sacked. Her role has not been renewed. They are different conceptually …”
“Management has determined that it wishes to take that service in a different direction. That decision is a management decision, and I fully support our management in making relevant decisions as to the direction and content of the services that the ABC provides. So, yes, I do support that decision. I do support the notion of refreshment in the various services that the ABC offers …”
“The public reaction would actually say that you can never change anything, ever, unless the person impacted by the change is entirely in agreement with that change. And I think that, in a media working environment, that’s a very impractical view of the world.”
A change.org petition – calling for Macdonald to be re-instated and for ABC Sydney Radio management to explain its decision – is nearing 4,000 signatures.
The petition won’t change anything.
Maybe a commercial network might find her a gig.
Are there going to be any women left at the ABC.
Hope so, we don’t want the ABC turned into Nova.
I agree the petition won’t change anything.
Although it’s unclear how many of her listeners will follow Sarah Macdonald to a commercial network (a sizeable amount will not tune into Sarah with ads, I feel), one would think it’s not completely outside the realms of possibility that 2GB might pick her up. Afterall, didn’t Ray Hadley give the ABC an on-air spray over this decision last Friday?
Then of course, there’s the fact 2SM seem to be on the lookout for new brekky and morning hosts as part of a rebuilt station. Maybe she’ll be another person to say “Thanks, but no thanks!” as other high-profile presenters reportedly have, but surely Graham Miles, Despina Priala & George Caralis would be smart to at least give it a shot?
@anonymous I’m pretty sure they just hired Chris Bath to replace Richard Glover. They have woman all across the station.
While Management is determined to take the program ‘in a new direction’ why does that have to entail dismissing Sarah?
With her talent and proven ability, she could competently manage any proposed change.
It just looks like another example of the ABC’s history of crushing staff members on a whim.
Goodbye to the ABC.
I thought Kim Williams would be good as an initiator of bold new plans for a tired and out of touch ABC.
After having listened to his speech at the Press Club, I now know that won’t be the case.
I would like to hear from Mr Latimer ABC’s Head of Audio on why Sarah was not renewed when her last ratings increased almost 30% I am bewildered by his decision and appalled at Mr Williams supporting this call.
The new management at ABC is pompous and arrogant. They don’t understand the 55+ audience. ABC radio has been in decline and the last year or two the worst in history.
ABC…..what an absolute disgrace, and beyond belief ! Have any of you actually listened to her program?
Sarah is a great example of how a radio presenter an maintain listener engagement with compelling, authentic conversation and personality.
Goodbye ABC
First axing Sammy now Sarah when both were performing well. I’d also like to hear the Head of Audio’s explanation as to why, but in plain English we can all understand, not marketing spin. Could radio today ask him and report back ?
She is obviously left wing. The ABC should be nutral, especially in the next 4 years of trump.
Change, for change itself.
I heard about the demise of Simon Mahony also.
The only departure I agree with is Richard Glover ?
But, hey, I’ve been a loyal listener for at least 65 years.
What would I know ?
Best wishes and good luck.
It sounds like ABC radio’s new content boss Ben Latimer is trying to implement a ‘ Bro ‘ format on its Sydney channel. Hamish replacing Sarah on the morning show is not what the ABC audience wants.
What is going on here?
Kim Williams needs to read his public a lot better
This smells of the content heads being not only sexist but also ageist. Bad form ABC.
Sarah McDonald, and Richard Glover are the backbone of Sydney ABC Radio, so without them it becomes spineless, like the management that let them go. Robin Harwood, long time 702 listener, no longer.
I find this just one more incomprehensible decision which is no less stifling.
Particularly when the regional ABC radio up the road has TWO breakfast presenters! And moreover has had both these presenters for years!
No wonder you are having questions hurled at you Mr Williams….
I’d love to know what these grand management plan decisions are in relation to the conceptually not sacking (weasel word dialogue) of Sarah . Clearly our listener enjoyment of our ABC and ratings are of no importance .
How very sad!
Williams is completely out of touch with his arrogant comments. I guess the audience will be told what that new direction is at some point, but too late for me – I’m off to find a new station.
If Hamish McDonald gets the morning role, then it’s clearly jobs for the boys. He wont last long as ABC listeners will revolt against him. Replacing Sarah is pure sexism and the new regime at ABC should do better than this. Their biggest ratings ever were from females like Fran Kelly and Wendy Harmer. Hopefully management will read the room and reinstate Sarah ASAP. There’s no excuse for this sexist behaviour on taxpayer funded radio.
Maybe don’t renew the chairs contract.
To be honest, I switch stations when she comes on. Sorry, but I find her a bit “mumsy”, talks over the top of people and is just , generally, annoying. She reminds me of the mums I dealt with at my kids’ primary school back in the day. But that’s just me and my opinion is just that. I loved Fran Kelly but a lot of people weren’t a fan. I love James Valentine but my husband finds him annoying. Can’t please everyone.
Losing an old audience and not necessarily gaining a new…great work Ben!
Not renewed or sacked? Weasel words from the ABC chair.
So what is this “ new direction”?
I did not get over Tony Delroy’s departure. I notice It’s just not cricket has gone. I’ll only listen to Sport if HG and Roy are commentating. I hope Bludging comes back. Drive won’t be the same without Glover. Simon Mahony gone on Weekends. The new management boys had better have something amazing on the boil or we will all be going too.
I do hope Sarah is snapped up quickly by Radio 2GB Sarah is perfect for the roll to replace Ray Hadley.
And then they replace her with someone with same leanings and surname so perhaps they thought no one would notice. Poor decision but of course they need to defend the person who made it. Pathetic
The ABC in general is turning to trash. Good programs and hosts are declining. It reaks of Murdoch involvement.
I am furious that Sarah has been sack. Kim Williams might not call it that but I do.
As a big supporter of ABC in the past I am so unhappy about other decisions too e.g. that hard quiz has replaced The Drum, who on earth made that one?
Don’t treat us as Commercial audience – you are not reading your audience.
Liz Smith
Sarah MacDonald,I will miss driving through traffic I felt engaged and absorbed by your programs content,I know you’ll be back on the airways sooner than you can say “Got ya Kim Williams”
Hamish Macdonald is a class act but it will be a waste of his great talent to put him on Mornings. He is fabulous on Global Roaming, a seriously good presenter.
I see they are suggesting Hamish McDonald as Sarah’s replacement? I could not think of a more boring presenter what with Craig on brekky followed by Hamish McDonald as a 47 year old Listener of the ABC I won’t be switching on until lunch time
Unfortunately these so called experts have made their decision and it is very unlikely that they will change.
There are a couple of other clowns who should be shown the door before Sarah.
ABC missed a great opportunity by sacking Sarah just before Ray Hadley retires .
James Valentine is great and Chris Bath is an excellent replacement for the marvellous Richard Glover .
I hope this Kim Williams knows what he is doing because he is playing with taxpayers dollars.
First Josh Szeps and now Sarah!
I guess I’ll have to wait and see what the new direction looks like for us.. the listener.. and make a decision whether I keep listening or not.
Sad to see Williams doing Murdock’s and Stokes bidding, Albanese currying favour with commercial media for upcoming election
As an ex Sydneysider living in Victoria for 7yrs I can report that the 774 radio host talent is in demise ahead of Syd. Since Virginia Trioli got weazled out some 18months ago it’s gone backwards at a rate. It’s meant I’ve been on 702 held together by James V…the premier announcer…however I sense JV won’t be hanging around too long after this upheaval.
It feels that there is talent (as well as some deadwood) at ABC but not enough seats. If it’s eventuates that Hamish MacDonald takes Sarah’s seat this will fail. The ABC have offered everything to HM but he never is able to settle.
I’m uncertain of circumstances of Matt Preston’s depart however here is another example of talent loss as he ran such an inquisitive show and asked tricky questions seeking answers unlike what I feel ABC management box tickers are seeking…things are changing….and not for the best.
I close out by saying that the shutdown of the Drum was a travesty only to be backroaded or hard quiz replays…..Please show some respect to a waivering devoted audience
Have stopped listening and watching the ABC some time ago, Woke Garbage and a waste of tax dollars. Lot’s of people have departed from this garbage reporting.