Sarah Macdonald will return to 702 ABC Sydney in March 2027, taking on one of the station’s most loved programs as the new presenter of Afternoons.
A familiar and much-loved voice for Sydney audiences, Macdonald returns to the ABC, where she built a strong connection with listeners across Weekend Nightlife, Evenings and, from 2023 to 2024, as presenter of Mornings.
Afternoons holds a special place in the hearts of 702 ABC Sydney listeners. The program was hosted by broadcaster James Valentine, who died earlier this year after 25 years of keeping the Afternoons audience company with his warmth, intelligence and unmistakable curiosity.
Macdonald said she was honoured to join a program with such a deep connection to its audience.
“James was my friend and a legend in my lunchtimes as both listener and colleague. I am both emotional and thrilled to carry on his legacy. I have missed the ABC listeners’ wit and wisdom. I thank them for their support, and I look forward to hanging out again. I will do my best to inform, entertain and be with listeners as we together try to make sense of the big and the small issues in life.”
Manager 702 ABC Sydney Nick Lowther said he was thrilled to welcome Sarah back to the station.
“Sarah is one of those broadcasters who builds a genuine, lasting bond with her audience, and that connection is at the heart of what makes 702 and ABC radio special. She has an instinct for the conversations people want to have, and a warmth that comes through every time she’s on air. Her return to the ABC is a genuinely joyful moment for our listeners across Sydney and New South Wales, and I know they will welcome her to the afternoon program that means so much to them.”
ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer said Macdonald’s return was a fitting next chapter for Afternoons and for 702 ABC Sydney audiences.
“We’ve heard just how much 702 ABC Sydney listeners have missed Sarah, and I’m delighted she has agreed to return” Latimer said. “There’s something special about Sarah taking on Afternoons. She knew James well, she knows the audience, and she understands what the program means to them. I’m really looking forward to hearing her make Afternoons her own.
“I want to thank James O’Loghlin and Kathryn Robinson, who have built a warm and engaging connection with the Afternoons audience. They have carried the program with great care during a difficult period, and I’m very grateful for their commitment.”
James O’Loghlin and Kathryn Robinson have become much-loved presenters on 702 and will remain regular voices on the station. James will continue presenting Afternoons until Sarah begins in March.
Craig Reucassel will continue on Breakfast in 2027, with Hamish Macdonald continuing on Mornings and Thomas Oriti continuing in Drive.
More details about the 2027 702 ABC Sydney lineup will be announced later this year.