The ABC has announced Patricia Karvelas (main photo) will be RN Breakfast’s new host in 2022 following the departure of long-standing host, Fran Kelly.
Karvelas – who currently hosts RN Drive – this morning told RN Breakfast she was “humbled” to take on the new role.
After 17 years in front of the RN Breakfast mic, @frankelly08 is stepping down as presenter.
But Radio National listeners will be familiar with her successor. RN Drive's @PatsKarvelas will be stepping into the role in January 2022.https://t.co/HJNzIRknFI
— RN Breakfast (@RNBreakfast) November 28, 2021
“I am overwhelmed with feelings because this show is an important part of my life,” she said.
“I look forward to setting the national agenda every weekday morning and providing the conversations and interviews that will keep ABC audiences well-informed of the issues that affect them.”
Karvelas added she had “huge shoes to fill”.
Overwhelmed by the love ❤️ and kindness I’m receiving from the news that I’ll be taking over from my excellent friend @frankelly08 next year on @RNBreakfast
I care deeply about this country and democracy and I can’t wait. Thank you #auspol— Patricia Karvelas (@PatsKarvelas) November 28, 2021
While Karvelas acknowledged listeners would miss Kelly, Kelly herself was adamant her successor would be a natural fit for the morning program.
“Her boundless energy and strong journalistic instincts, coupled with her personal warmth and extraordinary work ethic means she has what it takes to keep the program doing what it does best – driving the daily news agenda and bringing the audience along on a wild ride of politics, popular culture, social issues, science, sport and music,” she said.
“Patricia and I have worked together on The Party Room podcast for the past five years and I can vouch first-hand for her passion for politics.”
Kelly will take a break from ABC over the summer and return in the new year, with herself and Karvelas resuming co-hosting duties for the The Party Room podcast.
