AM host ‘unable to present due to family reasons’

Last week it was announced that ABC News Breakfast host Virginia Trioli would be the new host of ABC Radio's AM program, replacing Tony Eastley.

She has now decided she is “unable to present AM” due to “family reasons”.

Trioli will stay on the TV while the new AM host will be Chris Uhlmann (left).

Uhlmann was most recently the senior political editor for 7.30 but has a background in radio, having co-hosted 666 ABC Canberra's breakfast program, he produced Mornings on 774 ABC Melbourne and has been the chief political correspondent for ABC radio current affairs.

“AM has been the standard-bearer of ABC current affairs for nearly half a century. I am honoured and delighted to be asked to present it,” said Uhlmann.

“Tony Eastley leaves big shoes to fill but I will work hard to ensure that I maintain the excellence of the program. I have worked with Executive Producer David Burgess in the past and he is an outstanding journalist so I'll be in a safe pair of hands.”

He will start February 10.

Read more in the Sydney Morning Herald.