Veteran broadcaster Fran Kelly and television presenter Rove McManus are among the familiar faces recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, recognising decades of contribution to Australian media and public life.
They are joined by the late James Valentine, whose contribution to Australian media was recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia, alongside a number of other radio, television and journalism figures honoured for their impact on audiences across the country.
Kelly has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to broadcast journalism, the advancement of social justice and equality, and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The veteran broadcaster and journalist spent 17 years hosting Radio National Breakfast and remains a prominent voice through ABC Radio National and political podcast The Party Room.
“It’s an absolute honour to be recognised in this way,” Kelly said.
“I am privileged to do a job that I love and one that gives me the opportunity to play a role in advancing social justice and equity by engaging the audience in the big debates of the nation.”
McManus was recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to broadcast media, entertainment and the community.
His television career spans more than two decades and includes Rove Live, The Project, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, Whovians and numerous producing roles through Roving Enterprises.
Valentine was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the media as a radio presenter and television host, as well as his contributions to music and children’s literature.
The longtime ABC presenter received notification of the honour before his death in May and was publicly farewelled at Sydney Town Hall last month.
Other figures recognised in this year’s honours include Triple R broadcaster Geoffrey King, former ABC reporter and presenter Paul Griffiths, and former senator, columnist and gender equality advocate Natasha Stott Despoja, who was elevated to Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), the nation’s highest civilian honour.
The King’s Birthday Honours recognise Australians who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and the nation, with recipients announced annually as part of national celebrations in June.
