Rory McClaren named as David Bevan’s replacement on ABC Radio Adelaide mornings

The man chosen to replace David Bevan on ABC Radio Adelaide’s morning show has hinted at changes to the program in 2025.

Following in the footsteps of David Bevan will be no easy task but new ABC Radio Adelaide presenter Rory McClaren says he’s up for the challenge.

ABC’s state political reporter will take over the mornings hot seat in 2025 after veteran broadcaster Bevan revealed he was retiring at the end of this year.

McClaren, 39, said the new role – which will be his first full-time gig on radio – was too good to refuse.

“It wasn’t a decision I made lightly. But the opportunity to be trusted to take over the mornings program is a significant honour,” he said.

“Over decades it has become appointment radio and that is something I will look to continue into the future.”

Rory McLaren is the new ABC mornings host, replacing David Bevan. Picture: Supplied.

McClaren, who joined ABC in 2021, has flagged changes to the program, which has been hosted solo by Bevan since 2017.

“When there is a change in presenter there is opportunity to do things differently,” he said.

“Broadly the format will stay similar but there will be changes and that’s now what we can start to think about with the rest of the team.”

Bevan revealed on Tuesday that he was calling time on his radio career, with his last show on December 13.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to sit in this room every weekday for the last 24 years … but it’s time to say goodbye,” he told the 891 Adelaide Breakfast show.

McClaren has covered politics full-time at state and federal level since 2015, including stints in Canberra.

“Moving into a different medium is a challenge but I’m up for it,” he said.

“It’s a big change away from what I have been doing for most of my career. It’s equal parts exciting and daunting to follow his (Bevan) lead.”

Starting as an editorial messenger at The Advertiser, McClaren worked at Channel 10 and as Channel 9’s state political reporter for six years.

ABC Radio Adelaide’s Mornings Presenter David Bevan. Picture: AAP Image/Morgan Sette

He’s been a regular contributor to ABC’s Spin Cycle political program, and is South Australia Press Club president.

McClaren said he’s learned much from well-respected Bevan in the three-plus years since joining the station.

“I’ve seen how he goes about his work and he is meticulous and methodical,” he said.

“David has made an immense contribution to the state’s media industry over decades. There’s a lot I’ve picked up from him that I’ll be looking to carry forward into 2025 and beyond.”

Best known for his 15-year on-air partnership with Matthew Abraham – who himself quit the ABC in 2017 – Bevan was also the network’s state political reporter for South Australia and previously covered the court beat for The Advertiser.

Bevan started his career in the late 1980s career with the ABC in 1986 as a cadet and had a stint with The Advertiser before returning to the ABC in 1993.

In 2000 he began producing 891 ABC Radio Adelaide Drive and co-hosted Mornings with Philip Satchell in 2001.

In 2002 he was joined by Matthew Abraham on Mornings before they took over Breakfast in 2011.

Since 2017, Bevan has hosted Adelaide Mornings on ABC by himself from 9-11am.

Originally published as Rory McClaren named as David Bevan’s replacement on ABC Radio Adelaide mornings