7.30

History

The program first aired on 7 March 2011, replacing both The 7.30 Report and Stateline. It was originally hosted by Leigh Sales and Chris Uhlmann.

In 2012, Uhlmann was appointed as 7.30 political editor, therefore stepping down as host. Uhlmann remained as political editor until 2013, when he announced that he would be working on a documentary about the Rudd and Gillard governments for the ABC. Sabra Lane replaced him as political editor, until she left to host the ABC morning radio current affairs program, AM.

In 2015, Jo Puccini was appointed executive producer of the program.

In December 2016, the ABC announced that Andrew Probyn would replace Sabra Lane as political editor. In August 2017, Probyn moved to a new role as the ABC's political editor replacing Chris Uhlmann who left the broadcaster for the Nine Network.

In February 2018, Laura Tingle was appointed as political editor, replacing Probyn.

In 2014, Sarah Ferguson hosted the show whilst Leigh Sales was on maternity leave. She received critical acclaim for her hard-hitting interview style from many Australian media outlets.

In 2018, Justin Stevens was appointed executive producer.

In February 2022, Sales announced that she would be stepping down as host, after almost 12 years in the role. She finished hosting the program in June, after the federal election, but continued to work for the ABC.

In April 2022, ABC announced that Sarah Ferguson would return from her role as special correspondent in Washington, D.C. to succeed Sales as the host of 7.30 from July 2022.

Joel Tozer was announced as the new executive producer of the program in June 2022, taking over from Justin Stevens, who was appointed director of news for the network.

In May 2025, ABC announced that Laura Tingle would be departing 7.30 after six years to take on a new role as global affairs editor. Tingle was replaced by Jacob Greber, former chief digital political correspondent at the ABC.

Description

7.30 is a half-hour current affairs television program that follows the evening news on ABC TV. It is the flagship for the network, with The Sydney Morning Herald saying "7.30 remains arguably [the ABC's] most impactful daily program. It is regularly the broadcaster's most watched on any given night."

Hosts

Michael Rowland and David Speers are fill-in presenters.

Political editor

State editions

On 28 November 2014, Quentin Dempster announced the final episode of the state editions would be the following week (5 December 2014), corresponding with his departure from the public broadcaster.

The state editions of 7.30 were broadcast on ABC at 7:30 p.m., with eight separate state and territory specific editions. Each local version of 7.30 was also broadcast nationally on ABC News over the weekend.

References

References

1. (2016-10-26). "Sabra Lane quits 7.30 to host the ABC's flagship radio show, AM". The Sydney Morning Herald.
2. Aston, Joe. (2015-03-18). "Jo Puccini appointed new EP of 7:30". Financial Review.
3. (2016-12-16). "Andrew Probyn joins ABC News". About the ABC.
4. Carmody, Broede. (2018-02-12). "Laura Tingle named chief political correspondent for ABC's 7.30 program". The Sydney Morning Herald.
5. (2013-12-05). "Sarah Ferguson to host 7.30 when Leigh Sales takes leave". The Australian.
6. Mathieson, Craig. (2014-05-30). "Why Sarah Ferguson won't be easily forgotten as ABC's 7.30 presenter". The Sydney Morning Herald.
7. (2022-02-10). "Leigh Sales announces she is stepping down as presenter of 7.30". ABC News.
8. Knox, David. (29 April 2022). "Sarah Ferguson to host 7:30". TV Tonight.
9. Down, Rhiannon. (30 May 2022). "ABC nabs Nine star producer Joel Tozer in revamp". The Australian.
10. (2025-05-07). "7.30's Laura Tingle to become ABC's new Global Affairs Editor". ABC News.
11. Jaspan, Calum. (2025-05-07). "Laura Tingle to leave 7.30 for global ABC role".
12. (2025-06-12). "ABC News names Jacob Greber as 7.30 Political Editor".
13. (12 June 2025). "Jacob Greber to replace Laura Tingle as 7.30 political editor, ABC announces".
14. (2025-05-15). "Front-runner emerges to replace Laura Tingle on ABC’s 7.30". The Sydney Morning Herald.