Bridget Brennan Becomes New Co-Host of News Breakfast

Bridget Brennan is stepping into the spotlight as the new co-host of ABC‘s News Breakfast, taking over from Lisa Millar after her final show on August 23. Since late 2023, Brennan has been the newsreader for the program and is now ready for this exciting new role alongside Michael Rowland.

Brennan, who is a proud Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta woman, joined the ABC back in 2010. She expressed her excitement about this opportunity during a live broadcast, saying, ‘I’m really honoured and excited to be taking up this spot on the couch.’ She has always looked up to the experienced team around her and mentioned how grateful she is to Lisa and Michael for their mentorship.

Before joining the News Breakfast team, Brennan worked as the Indigenous Affairs Editor and also served as a Europe correspondent. She has a strong background in Indigenous issues and played a key role in launching the ABC’s Indigenous Affairs Unit in 2017. One noteworthy project featured her leading an all-female Indigenous team on a Four Corners episode, highlighting the tragic crisis of missing Aboriginal women.

Michael Rowland, her new co-host, praised Brennan for her fresh perspective and diverse interests, saying he can’t wait to have her as his main co-presenter. He added that her love for music, film, and humor would enhance the show’s vibe.

Bridget Brennan’s appointment marks a significant milestone, as she will be one of the first Indigenous women to host a permanent spot on Australia’s breakfast television. It’s a special moment for both her and the community, as she reflects on not seeing Aboriginal women on TV when she was younger.

As Lisa Millar prepares to say goodbye after five successful years on the program, she expressed her happiness in passing the torch to Brennan, calling her a ‘delightful friend and workmate’ and underlining how much the audience has already embraced her.

The ABC News director, Justin Stevens, also voiced his excitement about Brennan stepping into this significant role, describing her as a formidable journalist and broadcaster. The team is looking forward to what she will bring to News Breakfast.