Sunrise reporter Bianca Stone announces resignation from Channel 7

Sunrise reporter and Queensland correspondent Bianca Stone has revealed the emotional catalyst that motivated her to resign from her dream job.

Sunrise reporter Bianca Stone has resigned from Channel 7 after 18 years with the network.

Stone, who has been Queensland correspondent on the national breakfast show for the past six years, shocked colleagues on Tuesday by announcing she was signing off from Sunrise this week to consider the next move in her career.

The mother of three children – aged 22, 9 and 8 – said she officially resigned from the network four weeks ago after reassessing her career over the Christmas break.

“It came as a shock (to Channel 7). But I have been toying with the idea for some time,” Stone said.

“Sunrise is a dream job … breakfast TV is addictive and compelling but it also comes with an alarm every single day and that becomes hard.”

Channel 7 journalist Bianca Stone has resigned from Sunrise. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

Stone, who was still breastfeeding her youngest daughter when she started with Sunrise, has been presenting a live local bulletin in Queensland since 2021 to help overcome the delays caused by daylight saving, meaning she has a daily 2am wake up call.

“In the beginning if I’m honest the thrill of Sunrise outweighed the alarm. But the older I get and my little girl is older, that’s switched for me,” she continued.

“I had a break (over Christmas) and a chance to sleep. And my littlest girl said, ‘mum, we really like you when you’re not sleepy and cranky’ and that was the catalyst.”

Stone made headlines in 2021 when she went head-to-head with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk over Covid vaccines and was told her off for being “rude” in a press conference – which led to suggestions this week that she should get into politics.

She said she hadn’t made any decisions about her future, and was open to opportunities as well as coming back to Channel 7 in a freelance capacity.

“There’s a lot of wild rumours about what I am going to do. I’m not taking on the premier despite what people have said,” she laughed. “But never say never.”

“I blew up my life, and at a time when interest rates are rising. But I think the brave get rewarded.”

“I’m at a point in my life and career where it’s nice to throw up the cards and see where they land.”

Sunrise is expected to announce a new Queensland correspondent in the coming week.

Seven’s director of morning television, Sarah Stinson, said: “Bianca has been such a valued member of the Sunrise family and leaves us with nothing but good wishes and our thanks. Enjoy the sleep-ins.”