ABC’s Western Sydney move up in smoke as popular presenter sacked
One of the only ABC radio presenters broadcasting a show from the new multi-million dollar studios in Parramatta has announced that she’s been let go by management as a
NSW
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One of the only ABC radio presenters broadcasting a show from the new multi-million dollar studios in Parramatta has announced that she’s been sacked by management.
Popular morning announcer Sarah Macdonald told listeners on Thursday that her contract won’t be renewed by management.
“I’m not going to be on the radio with you next year. The ABC has decided not to renew my contract”, Ms Macdonald.
“I have absolutely loved sharing the morning with you, and the evenings, and the wee-small hours of the nightlife.”
‘I will miss telling the stories to Sydney.”
“I’m going to leave in a few weeks. I am proud of what I’ve done. The ratings are up. Broken lots of stories. Had the first interview with the new Governor General. I got the premier of New South Wales to regularly take your calls. Led the election coverage. Led the move to our first Parramatta studios.”
In the radio ratings that were released last week, Sarah Macdonald recorded a large rise, up 2.1% to 7.5% placing her fifth in the Sydney morning time slot - only 3,6% behind 2GB talk presenter Ray Hadley.
ABC radio colleague Richard Glover last month announced that he was leaving the drive show after hosting the program for 26 years.
“I’ll miss the listeners, of course, but also my fabulous colleagues at 702 ABC Radio Sydney — radio’s best team”, Mr Glover said during his announcement.
ABC colleague Paul Barry took to social media to express his surprise about Sarah Macdonald’s departure. “I can’t believe this. I’m hearing that #ABC has dumped Sarah MacDonald from ABC Sydney. IMHO she’s brilliant, one of the best things on radio. WTAF?
Sarah Macdonald told listeners that she will finish at the ABC in mid-December.
Richard Glover retires on Friday 29th November and Channel 10 news presenter Chris Bath will replace him. Both Glover and MacDonald uprooted their shows from Ultimo to broadcast from the new studios in Parramatta this year.
“The new person will be announced very soon. They are very lucky”, said Ms Macdonald.
The ABC was approached by the Telegraph for comment, and they replied by sending an audio copy of Sarah Macdonald’s on air statement.
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