Isabella Higgins has been named as the new presenter of ABC audio current affairs flagship AM, with listeners hearing the news this morning.
The senior journalist and proud Torres Strait Islander woman joined the ABC in 2014 and has worked as a metropolitan and regional news reporter, as National Indigenous Affairs Correspondent, Europe Correspondent and National Social Affairs Reporter. She was also a senior reporter on the Voice referendum.
Each morning AM sets the day’s agenda with the latest stories and developments and interviews with political leaders and other newsmakers.
Higgins takes over at the program from Sabra Lane, who announced in December she was leaving the role after nine years.
Isabella Higgins: “It’s an absolute privilege to take on this role at AM, a program with such a strong legacy and loyal audience.
“I still recall my joy at getting my very first story on AM as a young reporter and can’t quite believe I’ll be taking on the role of host. Sabra Lane and all the other past hosts leave enormous shoes to fill.
“I’m looking forward to working with the top-class team who make the show happen and ensure it’s essential, high-impact listening each day.”
Director, News Justin Stevens: “Throughout its almost 60 years on air AM has been integral in setting the nation’s daily news agenda and interrogating the decision-makers. Isabella is an outstanding journalist and will be a superb anchor of AM.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to Sabra Lane for her formidable work with the program over almost a decade. We look forward to her taking on a new role with the ABC after she returns from well-earned long service leave.”
Isabella Higgins
Isabella has spent the last year working as the ABC’s National Social Affairs Reporter. From 2021 to 2024 she was the ABC’s Europe Correspondent, based in London, reporting on stories including four British Prime Ministers, the pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the war in the Middle East and the 2024 US Presidential election. She also added her powerful reporting and expertise to cover the Voice referendum.
Isabella began her ABC career working in regional and state newsrooms. In 2019 her reporting on suicide rates in Indigenous communities was nominated for multiple awards and saw her receive a Walkey Foundation Young Journalist Award.