Shock Departure Rocks ABC as Sabra Lane Quits AM After Nine Years: A ‘Dream Come True’ Ends in Emotional Farewell
- Sabra Lane announces sudden departure from ABC’s flagship morning radio program, AM, after nearly a decade at the helm
- The veteran journalist, 37 years into her career, cites exhaustion and a desire for change after three electoral cycles
- Lane’s emotional farewell includes a parting shot at politicians, urging them to ditch ‘flowery language’ and be honest with the public
After nine years of anchoring the ABC’s AM program, Sabra Lane has made the shocking announcement that she is leaving the show. The veteran journalist, who has been with the ABC since 2008, revealed the news to her listeners this morning, admitting that her body was saying ‘enough’.
Lane’s departure marks the end of an era for the current affairs radio program, which she joined in 2017. She had previously served as chief political correspondent for ABC Radio Current Affairs and 7.30. In a heartfelt farewell, Lane thanked her listeners and guests, including the politicians who had appeared on the show.
“When I was approached to anchor AM, it was a dream come true,” Lane said, her voice filled with emotion. “I was asked to commit to presenting the program for two electoral cycles, preferably three, and I’ve done three. I’ve kept you, my listeners, in the forefront of my mind while framing questions, in interviewing political leaders and in trying to explain this crazy world we live in.”
In a stark warning to politicians, Lane urged them to be honest and transparent, ditching ‘flowery language’ and instead being clear and accountable. “It is essential in a healthy democracy for you to appear, explain your decisions and be accountable,” she said. “I wish that you’d abandon the political messaging and flowery language. Please, be honest, clear and accountable — that’s what the public wants.”
Lane will take extended leave before returning to a new role with the ABC. The search for her replacement is set to begin, with the new AM presenter yet to be announced.