ABC appoints Patricia Karvelas as Afternoon Briefing host, with Greg Jennett moving to ACT news.
The ABC has announced that Patricia Karvelas will step into the role of host for Afternoon Briefing, succeeding Greg Jennett, who has helmed the program for three years. Karvelas, a seasoned political journalist, will add this to her current portfolio, which includes hosting Q+A, co-presenting The Party Room podcast, and contributing regular analysis for ABC News online.
Karvelas’s new role is complemented by her plans to launch a fresh podcast, Politics Now, focused on breaking political developments. Set to stream via the ABC Listen app, Politics Now aims to cater to audiences seeking in-depth political coverage that aligns with their schedules.
“I’m so excited to be anchoring a daily national affairs and politics program,”
“Especially at a time when Australians are seeking not just accountability but explanation of really complex issues. Afternoon Briefing has become appointment viewing and is a key part of the news agenda daily.”
Karvelas is confident her new podcast will resonate with listeners keen for flexible, on-demand political content. “Being able to launch a podcast which is fast, responsive and engaging on moving political stories has been my dream,” she shared, noting a strong audience demand for content that is not bound by traditional broadcast schedules.
Jennett, who has been a key face of Afternoon Briefing, will transition to a senior news role in Canberra, where he will present the ACT’s 7PM news from Sunday to Thursday. Additionally, he will conduct Stateline interviews and join the Parliament House team to lead federal election coverage. Reflecting on his time with Afternoon Briefing, Jennett expressed pride in creating a space where political figures from various backgrounds could engage with the issues of the day.
“I’m proud of what we’ve done with Afternoon Briefing these last three years,” he remarked. “It has become an accessible place for politicians of all stripes and levels of experience to discuss and debate the issues of the day.”
“In 2025, I’ll devote my energies to other stories around the nation’s capital while still being close enough to hear that thrum from the Hill that’s been a constant in my reporting for the last couple of decades or so.”
In a related move, James Glenday, the current presenter for ACT ABC News, will step away from the role in 2025 to undertake an as-yet-unannounced project.
ABC News Director Justin Stevens commended both Karvelas and Jennett as among the most accomplished political journalists in the nation, highlighting their readiness to provide audiences with insightful, timely analysis as Australia approaches its next federal election.
“Patricia Karvelas and Greg Jennett are among the best political journalists in the country and will ensure audiences get the most up-to-date insights and analysis on offer, bringing their huge experience to the biggest stories of the moment, here and overseas,”
With these changes, ABC continues to position itself as a leading source of Australian political coverage, offering viewers and listeners comprehensive insights across multiple formats.
