Former Today Tonight journalist Frank Pangallo to take up role as media adviser to Nick Xenophon
HARD-HITTING Adelaide journalist Frank Pangallo has taken a role as media adviser to Senator Nick Xenophon following his recent departure from Today Tonight.
HARD-HITTING Adelaide journalist Frank Pangallo has taken a role as media adviser to Senator Nick Xenophon, it has been confirmed this morning.
Mr Pangallo recently departed current affairs program Today Tonight after almost 23 years.
Mr Xenophon told the FIVEaa breakfast show that Mr Pangallo will be “a great asset to the team”.
“Frank will make a great contribution,” he said.
“It’s a real change for him. He’s rolled up his sleeves - he came in yesterday for a bit of an induction and he’ll be hitting the ground running with me on Monday and he’ll be coming to Canberra.”
When questioned on whether his new adviser would run as a NXT candidate in the future, Mr Xenophon said it was “a good idea”.
Mr Pangallo began his career at The News in Adelaide, where he eventually became editor in 1989.
Since then, he has worked for the ABC, the Ten Network and, since 1995, Channel Seven’s Today Tonight current affairs show. He is renowned for his confrontational, foot-in-the-door style of reporting.
Mr Pangallo told The Advertiser he would start his new role on Monday.
“It’s serendipity – his media adviser finished work last week and Nick was after someone who was experienced and available and I just happened to be available,” he said.
“I relish the opportunity to work with Nick and his team in Canberra.”
But he was not as receptive as his new boss to the idea of a future run for parliament.
“That thought hasn’t even entered my mind,” he said.
