After a distinguished career with the ABC spanning two decades and more than 4500 bulletins journalist and NSW 7pm News presenter Juanita Phillips has decided it’s time to sign off from the national public broadcaster.
Her farewell bulletin will be on Sunday 10 September.
Phillips has written about her decision today in a column: Juanita Phillips to leave the ABC
Phillips joined the ABC in 2002 after a number of other roles at home and abroad, including working for CNN International, BBC World News, Sky News Australia and the Ten Network.
After beginning as weekend presenter of the NSW 7pm News she became co-anchor later that year and in 2003 was appointed the bulletin’s main solo presenter.
Juanita Phillips says: “The ABC 7pm News is an Australian treasure and it’s been an honour to play a very small part in its history.
“Over the past 21 years, I’ve presented more than 4500 bulletins – that’s a lot of ‘good evenings’! I thank the 7pm audience for their support and the trust they place in the ABC. I’d like to say a special farewell to the viewers who’ve been with me from day one – I’ve spoken to many of them over the years and when they stop me in the street for a chat it feels like we know each other. It’s been a privilege to be a part of their daily lives.
“I’m proud to have worked for the public broadcaster alongside the best people in the business. My colleagues do incredibly important work while under intense public scrutiny, and I want to pay tribute to their talent and courage.
“After 21 years, it’s time for a change. My children weren’t even born when I started presenting the 7pm bulletin; now they are young adults, and I’m finally able to step aside from full-time work. I have no idea what comes next, but it’s an exciting stage of life, full of possibilities and the time and freedom to explore them.”
ABC Director, News Justin Stevens said Phillips would leave a valuable and abiding legacy at the national public broadcaster.
“This is sad news, but we respect the decision Juanita has made, detailed in the wonderful words she has written today about her decision,” he said.
“Juanita is a key presence in the ABC, both on air and behind the scenes. She is loved and trusted by viewers and one of our most senior and respected editorial leaders. Live-to-air, in the studio and from the field, she has informed us about many of the biggest news events, always with her trademark clarity and calm.
“As well as her journalistic contribution, Juanita is a champion and trailblazer for gender equity and inclusion in the newsroom, with her advocacy benefiting many women at the ABC and throughout the media.”
