Ellen Fanning joins Brisbane ABC local radio from The Drum

Ellen Fanning is joining ABC Radio Brisbane in 2024 with the announcement coming less than a day after news that The Drum, the ABC television program Fanning co-hosted with Julia Baird, will end this Friday.

Fanning’s new radio roles will involve a range of activities, particularly as a key person covering next year’s local (in March) and state (October) elections, and continuing to present news from the Brisbane newsroom, including the Queensland 7PM bulletins on Fridays and Saturdays.

Her prior radio experience includes presenting PM and AM on ABC Radio and hosting RN Breakfast and Life Matters.

Fanning said:

“I am thrilled to be returning to radio, my first home at the ABC. Having returned to live in Brisbane a year ago after 25 years in Sydney, I’m delighted to be renewing my relationship with Queensland audiences.

I’m keen to travel around Queensland in the lead up to the State election to hear from Queenslanders about their hopes and ambitions, their frustrations and aspirations. Elections are about people and it’s an honour to be given the time and resources to listen closely to the views of my fellow Queenslanders and to spend time in their communities.”