ABC star Patricia Karvelas to return to Afternoon Briefings in 2025

A few weeks after the ABC radio host told listeners she wouldn’t be returning to the airwaves, a new role for 2025 can now be revealed.

Patricia Karvelas is returning to her old role of hosting Afternoon Briefing on ABC, as she farewells radio after 10 years on the airwaves.

Karvelas confirmed on October 8 that she would not be hosting RN Breakfast after she replaced long-term host Fran Kelly in early 2022.

Instead, she’ll be shifting her focus to a new cross-platform role by hosting Afternoon Briefing each weekday as well as presenting Q+A in 2025.

Patricia Karvelas will become the new host of Afternoon Briefing while continuing as Q+A host. Picture: ABC

The seasoned ABC political journalist will also continue her weekly political wrap The Party Room – which she co-hosts with Kelly – and online analysis.

Karvelas, who launched Afternoon Briefing in 2018, said she was excited to get started with her new roles next year.

“I’m so excited to be anchoring a daily national affairs and politics program, especially at a time when Australians are seeking not just accountability but explanation of really complex issues,” she said.

“Afternoon Briefing has become appointment viewing and is a key part of the news agenda daily.

“Being able to launch a podcast which is fast and responsive and engaging on moving political stories has been my dream.

“It’s how I consume content and I know there’s a strong desire from our audience for non-appointment content that meets people in their headphones when it suits them.”

ABC journalist Greg Jennett will present ACT 7pm News. Picture: ABC

As Afternoon Briefing host, Karvelas will replace Greg Jennett, who will present the ACT 7pm News from Sunday to Thursday and conduct Stateline interviews in 2025.

“I’m proud of what we’ve done with Afternoon Briefing these last three years,” said Jennett, who began hosting the current affairs show in 2022.

“It has become an accessible place for politicians of all stripes and levels of experience to discuss and debate the issues of the day.

“Over the years I’ve been privileged to report on some of the most remarkable events in the life of our nation.

“In 2025, I’ll devote my energies to other stories around the nation’s capital while still being close enough to hear that thrum from the Hill that’s been a constant in my reporting for the last couple of decades or so.

“I’m looking forward to what comes next.”

Karvelas had been on Radio National for 10 years.

ABC News director Justin Stevens said Karvelas and Jennett would provide great insight into Australian and international politics in their new roles.

“Patricia Karvelas and Greg Jennett are among the best political journalists in the country and will ensure audiences get the most up-to-date insights and analysis on offer, bringing their huge experience to the biggest stories of the moment, here and overseas,” Mr Stevens said.

“They will be integral members of our coverage as we gear up for the next federal election.”

The shake-up comes as listenership for RN Breakfast fell in four of the five major capital cities in October.

The latest official radio ratings show Karvelas recorded 70,000 Sydney listeners compared with 85,000 for the same timeframe in 2023.

Listeners dropped in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Karvelas’ new podcast, Politics Now, will bring daily political analysis during the federal election campaign.

Originally published as ABC star Patricia Karvelas to return to Afternoon Briefings in 2025