Michael Rowland leaves ABC News Breakfast after nearly 15 years

ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland is leaving the program.

Rowland worked on the program for nearly 15 years, with his last day all set for December 13, according to the ABC.

While he said working on the program has been “the best job (he’s) had at the ABC”, he has had “enough”.

“After 15 years of 3am starts my body is screaming ‘enough!’” Rowland wrote in a post to Instagram.

“The hours have finally caught up with me.”

He said the decision didn’t come lightly, describing the job as an “immense privilege”.

“It has been a buzz getting to interview everyone from Prime Ministers to Hollywood superstars (sorry, PM, I’ll take Matt Damon any day),” he wrote.

“And on what other show could I switch from presenting hard news to diving into a chilli-eating competition, playing in a Ukulele band, and dancing the nutbush (badly)?”

Rowland revealed he’ll be taking a “long break” next week but will remain with the ABC.

“After my final show, I will be taking a long break, unhooking myself from the relentless news cycle and catching up on a LOT of sleep,” he wrote.

“I’ll be back in mid-2025 to focus on some new ABC projects.

“(P.S. Sorry for the relatively short notice, but I wanted minimal fuss.)”

Rowland first joined the ABC as a cadet in 1987, later working as a political reporter in Canberra, Washington correspondent, and business reporter.

He said he’ll miss his viewers even more than the “wonderful News Breakfast team”.

“Thank you for trusting me with your mornings over so many years,” he wrote.

“Thank you for all the lovely letters, emails, and social media messages.

“Thank you for the countless happy greetings, handshakes and hugs in cities and towns across Australia.

“This is what has kept me going more than anything else. I am just so proud of the audience I have helped build over the years.”

Rowland’s co-host Bridget Brennan said he will be missed.

“I’ve been able to watch first-hand his enduring dedication to strong journalism and public service,” Brennan said.

“Australians will miss his presence each and every morning enormously, but I know we all appreciate the incredible effort he has given to News Breakfast for such a long time.”

ABC News director Justin Stevens called Rowland a “hugely talented broadcaster”.

“His ability to traverse serious reporting as well as lighter topics, and do it on live TV for three hours every morning, shows what a hugely talented broadcaster he is,” Stevens said.