Chris Bath has decided to leave the ABC Radio Sydney Drive program after what she says has been a big year.
Chris shared the news with listeners during her program today saying: “Timing in life is a funny thing, and I’ve decided to step down from Drive to pursue some passion projects and different opportunities away from the news cycle that have been beckoning for years. I know I’m leaving Drive Listeners and my team in safe and kind hands with Tom Oriti.”
“The great thing is that I’ll get to gasbag with listeners about some of those passion projects and perhaps explore theirs too on the radio on Sunday mornings on ABC Radio Sydney. The new show will be an antidote to the relentlessness of the news cycle, celebrating people doing great things across NSW, and creating that sense of community that ABC local radio does so well.”
The new program will air on Sunday morning from 10am to 12pm AEDT and will be heard on ABC Radio Sydney and across NSW.
Chris has hosted Drive since the beginning of 2025, stepping into the role following Richard Glover’s departure after a 26-year tenure.
One of Australia’s most recognised media figures, Chris began her journalism career at Sydney’s Radio 2UE, then over the next seven years, held news reading and reporting roles at Prime TV in Albury, followed by NBN Television in Newcastle. She spent two decades at the Seven Network in Sydney, anchoring live and rolling coverage of national and global news events, hosting public affairs programs, and reading the nightly news bulletin. For the past seven years, she’s anchored the Ten Network’s national weekend bulletin. But she says one of her career highlights, was her time hosting Evenings on 702 ABC Radio Sydney from 2017-2019 because of the show’s incredible sense of community.
In 2026, the Drive microphone will be handed to Thomas Oriti, currently host of the national Breakfast program on ABC NewsRadio and Background Briefing on ABC Radio National. Thomas brings a wealth of experience as a presenter and senior reporter across the ABC’s flagship current affairs programs—AM, PM, and The World Today and recently as co-host of Weekend Breakfast on ABC TV. Thomas has called the ABC home for 17 years with previous roles with the Sydney TV newsroom, triple j, and in regional NSW.
Thomas first joined the ABC as a cadet journalist in Sydney in 2009 and spent several years reporting on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Thomas grew up in the Blue Mountains and attended school in western Sydney. He now lives in Sydney with his wife, ABC National Disability Affairs Reporter Nas Campanella and their son Lachie.
“ABC Radio Sydney has always been part of my life—I grew up listening to it, and it’s shaped the way I think about journalism and storytelling. To now be joining the team as Drive presenter is a real privilege. I’m excited to connect with listeners across the city and continue the tradition of thoughtful, engaging radio.”
ABC Head of Capital City Networks, Anthony Frangi, praised both presenters:
“Chris has done a remarkable job stepping into the Drive slot. It’s a testament to her warmth and talent that she’s been so embraced by our audience. I’m sure Sunday mornings will be all the richer for her presence.”
“Thomas is a wonderful talent and we’re excited to welcome him to ABC Radio Sydney Drive in the new year.”
As part of the 2026 lineup, Rae Johnston will move to Saturday mornings, from 10am to 12pm AEDT. James O’Loghlin and Kathryn Robinson will remain at the helm of the Afternoon program, while James Valentine continues his recovery away from the mic during the early part of the year.
ABC Radio Sydney looks forward to an exciting year ahead, with fresh voices and familiar favourites continuing to connect with audiences across the city.
Pictured: Lizzie Young, Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Radio & Audio (Left); Peter Charlton, Chief Executive Officer, NOVA Entertainment (Right).