ABC shake-up continues with Hamish Macdonald replacing Sarah Macdonald

702 ABC Radio Sydney has undergone significant staff changes, with Sarah Macdonald’s spot now filled by Hamish Macdonald, alongside other new broadcasters joining the team.

Hamish Macdonald with Lisa Wilkinson as co-hosts of The Project

The ABC’s staff shake-up is continuing to send shockwaves through the radio industry as Hamish Macdonald is confirmed as the presenter of the Morning program on 702 ABC Radio, after previous host Sarah Macdonald’s contract was not renewed.

The decision to replace Sarah Macdonald shocked colleagues and loyal listeners, as ratings had been steadily up, with many tuning in solely for her broadcasting and strong audience rapport .

Former Media Watch host Paul Barry, author Nikki Gemmel and Lisa McGregor, a producer for the ABC’s Australian Story, all took to social media to express their dismay at the news.

Macdonald acknowledged his predecessor’s legacy in a statement on Tuesday morning, ahead of officially taking over the program next Monday.

“First and foremost, I’d like to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of Sarah Macdonald. I know these are big shoes to fill,” he said. “I’m looking forward to putting my head down, getting to work from Monday and serving the wonderful 702 audience in what will be a huge year of news for Sydney.”

MacDonald has had stints with the ABC since 2016 and hosted Q&A and Radio National Breakfast. He previously left the ABC in 2021 to rejoin the Ten Network as a host on The Project due to falling ratings and social media abuse, as reported at the time.

Hamish Macdonald on The Project.

Multiple new voices will be heard on the ABC from early this year, with journalist and presenter Kathryn Robinson scheduled to present Mornings every Friday from January 31, while comedy writer and broadcaster Dom Knight will host Friday’s Drive and Saturday Mornings.

Robinson gained her experience from presenting Ten’s Meet the Press, as well as its late and evening news shows until joining the presenting team at the ABC in 2015.

Sunday Mornings will be hosted by Rae Johnston, Chris Bath will present Monday to Thursday’s Drive, and Charlie Pickering will host Thank God It’s Friday.

702 ABC Radio Sydney is also under new management from Katrina Palmer, who joined the team earlier this month to lead from the ABC’s new radio office in Parramatta.

Macdonald was informed last November that her contract would not be renewed and revealed the news to her listeners live on air.

“Well, here’s the news from me in terms of disappointment,” she said. “Listen, I’m not going to be on the radio with you next year, the ABC has decided not to renew my contract here at Mornings.” She said she was proud of what had been accomplished throughout her tenure.

ABC radio presenter Sarah Macdonald

Barry expressed his shock at her removal at the time.

“I can’t believe this. I’m hearing that ABC has dumped Sarah MacDonald from ABC Sydney,” he said on X. “IMHO she’s brilliant, one of the best things on radio. WTAF?”