Madeleine Morris: High-profile ABC TV host quits News Breakfast after decade with the broadcaster

ABC host Madeleine Morris will be leaving the national broadcaster’s morning news show after spending four years as finance presenter.

Morris announced her shock departure on Monday while live on air on ABC News Breakfast, with her final appearance to be on Friday.

She told viewers she wished to be more present in her children’s lives.

‘I’d like to be there when my kids get up in the morning and I’d like to not be able to need to go to bed before they go,’ she said.

Her past decade at the national broadcaster involved being a reporter for 7:30 for almost six-years, deputy editor of the ABC specialist reporting team and as fact checker. 

While announcing her departure, Morris said it was a privilege to work as a journalist and ‘ask questions on behalf of people.

‘I just want to say a massive thank you to all of you who have let me be part of your family for the last four years,’ she said.

‘We got through those covid years together, and you’re as much a part of my family as I know all of us here at News Breakfast are a part of yours.

‘People let you into their lives on their best days and their worst days, and it’s just the most extraordinary privilege.

‘But I reckon that it’s time for me to try and do something else.’

Her co-hosts described her as a ‘superb colleague’ that guided Australians through the cost-of-living crisis and a ‘a fabulous human being’.

Morris said that ‘hardest part’ of her departure will be leaving the ABC News Breakfast team, paying special tribute to co-host Michael Rowland.

‘I’m going to miss you guys so much,’ she said.