In 2025 a reimagined ABC Radio National will be at the centre of big conversations and create a space where audiences can expand their worldview while engaging with the world’s best thinkers.
Award-winning journalist Sally Sara will lead the day on Radio National Breakfast joined by political correspondent Melissa Clarke, business correspondent Peter Ryan and news presenter Luke Siddham Dundon.
Fran Kelly will make her return to Radio National in a 1-hour weekday evenings program The Radio National Hour from 6-7pm. The program will focus on the big news stories shaping our world.
Fran said: “I’m thrilled to back on Radio National in a bigger way next year.
“This new show is a chance to go deeper into the news of our time, speaking to the best thinkers and creators and opinion shapers every day. And it’s an election year… I can’t wait!”
Current Drive host Andy Park will remain part of the network and become the presenter of flagship current affairs program The World Today.
Joining Fran and Sally on ABC Radio National next year is Nick Bryant as host of Saturday Extra.
ABC Radio National Manager Dina Rosendorff said: “In 2025 ABC Radio National will be at the heart of national and global conversations and reestablish itself as a trusted source of thoughtful analysis and deep thinking.
2025 will see the Network go even further to cultivate a space for profound insight and meaningful conversations with an expanded range of programs and voices across science, technology, the arts, culture, history, religion and set the agenda in current affairs.
“Radio National will cement itself as the ‘go-to’ space where ideas spark, perspectives broaden and inquiring minds find their home.”
The new year sees an emphasis on returning to a live, flow format through the addition of Cassie McCullagh and Hilary Harper as the Voices of Radio National who will thread Radio National’s programming together throughout the day.
Hilary and Cassie will guide audiences through the live schedule across news and current affairs programs into our unmatched range of specialist content.
Program highlights
Also in 2025, Radio National will expand its history offering with new global and Australian historical series and a landmark history show hosted by Australia’s favourite history buff, Marc Fennell.
Richard Glover is leaving the ABC at the end of the year, but his popular show Thank God It’s Friday! will remain, presented by Charlie Pickering and heard on Radio National, ABC Radio Sydney and ABC Radio Melbourne.
The Big Weekend of Books returns in October as ABC Radio National’s Top 100 Books, a countdown in which audiences can vote for their favourite books of the 21st Century. As always, the event will showcase authors around the world talking about their new releases.
We are adding to our roster of specialist content with some of the brightest minds in their field.
Tim Burrowes and Vivienne Kelly host a new program, MediaLand, examining the media landscape in Australia and abroad.
In news to delight the scientifically minded, Lab Notes, presented by Belinda Smith will cast a lens on fresh scientific discoveries and other things we didn’t know last week – from major breakthroughs to surprising curiosities.
Peter Martin hosts a new business program, The Economy, Stupid, and Jonathan Green sinks his teeth into all things food with Every Bite.
Tegan Taylor becomes the new host of Life Matters with Beverley Wang continuing to present Friday’s talkback program. Dr Preeya Alexander joins Norman Swan on The Health Report.
David Marr continues as host of Late Night Live. Daniel Browning presents Arts in 30 a weekly wrap of what’s happening in the world of art and culture in addition to presenting The Art Show.
Rae Johnston steps in to host Australia’s number one technology podcast Download This Show.
Siobhan Marin will host Quick Smart
Scheduling changes (AEDT)
A new early AM and News Daily at 5.30am
PM moves to 5pm
Late Night Live repeat moves to 3pm
Conversations moves to 4pm
The new Radio National Hour will be heard at 6-7pm
The Music Show will move to 10am on weekends