Fran Kelly to Deliver 2024 Andrew Olle Media Lecture
Veteran journalist and respected radio presenter Fran Kelly has been announced as the presenter of the 2024 Andrew Olle Media Lecture, set to take place at W Sydney on Friday 18 October.
Currently hosting Saturday Extra on ABC Radio National, Kelly’s broadcasting career spans decades, including an impressive 17-year tenure as host of RN Breakfast from 2005 to 2021. Her extensive experience in journalism and radio broadcasting makes her a fitting choice for this prestigious lecture.
Expressing her excitement at the opportunity, Kelly remarked:
“I’m thrilled to have been asked to deliver the Andrew Olle lecture.
As someone who’s spent most of my career in radio, it’s humbling to be associated with Andrew, a man who brought such warmth, intelligence, and journalistic integrity to the airwaves and had such a deep connection and affection with his audience.
As a young radio journalist just starting out at the ABC, Andrew Olle represented a journalistic standard and style to strive for.”
Ben Latimer, ABC’s Head of Audio, praised Kelly’s contribution to the industry:
“Fran exemplifies the ideals we honour in the Andrew Olle Media Lecture.
For more than 20 years, Fran has been a pioneering presenter at the forefront of holding the powerful to account and her career is testament to her skill, determination and her ability to adapt.”
Kelly is widely recognised for her influential role in Australian media. Over the years, she has held senior positions including Chief Political Correspondent for ABC’s AM and PM programs, Political Editor of The 7.30 Report, and Europe Correspondent based in London. Her journalism career has been marked by a dedication to current affairs and political reporting.
In 2005, she became the host of RN Breakfast, where she helped shape the national agenda until her departure in 2021. Following that, Kelly launched her own television talk show Frankly, which featured interviews with prominent figures from across Australia. In addition, she co-hosts the political podcast The Party Room with Patricia Karvelas and has presented the podcast series Yours Queerly.
In 2024, Kelly took on the role of hosting Saturday Extra on Radio National, continuing her deep engagement with national and global issues.
The annual Andrew Olle Media Lecture honours the memory of Andrew Olle, one of ABC’s most respected broadcasters, who was renowned for his insightful journalism and warm rapport with listeners. The lecture serves not only to celebrate his legacy but also to raise funds for The Brain Cancer Collective, a cause close to Olle’s legacy following his death from a brain tumour.
This year’s lecture, to be held at a black-tie dinner at W Sydney, Darling Harbour, will be hosted by Richard Glover, presenter of ABC Radio Sydney Drive. The evening will also feature the announcement of the Andrew Olle Media Scholarship winner, awarded to support emerging talent in the industry.
The lecture has seen a distinguished roster of speakers over the years, including Leigh Sales, Ita Buttrose, Peter FitzSimons, Lisa Wilkinson, Waleed Aly, and Kerry Stokes.
The 2024 edition promises to continue this tradition, with Fran Kelly bringing her unique perspective to the event.
