The shock departure of ABC managing director David Anderson has unintentionally “upstaged” another big change at the public broadcaster, with the news engulfing the final day legendary journalist Lisa Millar co-hosts the News Breakfast show.
Friday is the last day Millar beams into the homes of Australians alongside co-host Michael Rowland, and speaking on the program with Mr Anderson about his impending exit, she claimed she had been “upstaged” on her “emotional rollercoaster” day.
Rowland joked that Mr Anderson had “rained on her parade”.
“Talk about trying to upstage me. Managing director David Anderson, good morning to you,” she said.
Mr Anderson announced his departure on Thursday after six years in the public-facing role.
On News Breakfast, he told Millar and Rowland that six years was a “decent stint” and it was “time for me to move on”.
He insisted he was not pushed out from the job but decided on his own to leave.
“This was all my idea,” he said, adding he had been speaking with ABC chair Kim Williams for “months” about the move.
At the end of the interview, Mr Anderson paid tribute to Millar, who has held the Breakfast spot for five years, part of a larger 35-year career in journalism.
“Of course I have to say thank you so much for everything you’ve done for the ABC,” he said.
“Your role on News Breakfast, you will be missed.
“(It’s) wonderful that Bridget Brennan is coming in, but we do wish you all the best. You go with our thanks.
“The nation loves you, so I’m glad you’re staying on with the ABC and we’ll see you on with other programs.”
Millar reported on a sweep of transformative events in Australia, including the Covid pandemic, the Black Summer bushfires and the death of Queen Elizabeth.
The Queensland native will continue as an ABC presenter on Muster Dogs and Back Roads.