Michael Rowland walked away from the ABC’s News Breakfast in December 2024 after 15 years as co-host—but he didn’t walk away from the ABC. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what comes next for one of Australia’s most recognisable morning presenters.

4 related posts

Announcement: 2 December 2024 · Last day on air: 13 December 2024 · Years as co-host: 15 · Replacement: James Glenday (from 20 January 2025)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • What specific projects he will take on at the ABC after his break.
  • Whether he will return to television or move into a different role at the broadcaster.
  • His long-term plans if he eventually leaves the ABC entirely.
3Timeline signal
  • 2 December 2024: Rowland announces departure from News Breakfast (ABC News).
  • 13 December 2024: Final broadcast (TV Tonight).
  • 20 January 2025: James Glenday starts as new co-host (Sydney Morning Herald).
4What’s next
  • Rowland is taking an extended break before returning to the ABC in mid-2025 (ABC News YouTube).
  • The ABC has not yet disclosed his future role. (ABC News YouTube)

The table below compresses the essential dates and facts into a quick reference.

Key facts Details
Announcement date 2 December 2024 (ABC News)
Last day on News Breakfast 13 December 2024 (ABC News)
Years as co-host 15 (June 2010 – December 2024) (ABC News)
Replacement James Glenday, starting 20 January 2025 (Sydney Morning Herald)
ABC retention Remains at ABC; return in mid-2025 (ABC News YouTube)
Career milestone Described News Breakfast as “the best job” he had at the ABC (Sydney Morning Herald)

What happened to Michael Rowland?

His departure from ABC News Breakfast

  • On 2 December 2024, Michael Rowland told viewers he would leave ABC News Breakfast after 15 years as co-host (ABC News).
  • His final broadcast aired on 13 December 2024 (TV Tonight).
  • He introduced his replacement, James Glenday, to viewers before signing off (Sydney Morning Herald).

Reasons behind his exit

  • Rowland said he decided “the time was right” to step back from the program (ABC News YouTube).
  • He noted the ABC had asked him to stay on until at least the next federal election, but he chose to step away earlier (ABC News YouTube).
  • The ABC framed his exit as a break from the program, not an immediate retirement from the broadcaster (ABC News).
Why this matters

Rowland’s departure signals a generational shift at ABC morning television. After 15 years, the network is bringing in a new anchor, but keeping Rowland on the books means they value his institutional knowledge and audience trust. For viewers, the change is a reminder that even the most familiar faces eventually move on – but not always out the door.

Public and media reaction

  • The Guardian called it “the end of an era” for ABC News Breakfast (The Guardian).
  • Rowland’s own social media post describing the change as “massive” was widely shared (Influencing).

The implication: Rowland’s decision was personal and deliberate. He chose a longer break over staying for the election cycle, suggesting his priorities have shifted toward family and wellbeing.

Where is Michael Rowland today?

Current professional activities

  • Rowland is on an extended break after leaving the program (ABC News YouTube).
  • He remains employed by the ABC, with a return planned for mid-2025 (ABC News).

Potential new roles or ventures

  • No specific future role has been announced. Speculation includes potential return to reporting, documentary work, or other ABC projects.
  • He has not indicated any move to commercial television or radio.

Personal life updates

  • Rowland lives in Sydney with his family. His departure from early-morning hosting gives him more time at home.

The trade-off: Rowland gains flexibility and personal time but loses the daily platform that made him a household name. Whether he returns to a similarly visible role or shifts behind the scenes will define his next chapter.

What is Michael Rowland famous for?

Career as ABC News Breakfast co-host

  • Rowland co-hosted ABC News Breakfast from June 2010 to December 2024 – 15 years of early-morning broadcasts (ABC News).
  • He described it as “the best job” he had at the ABC (Sydney Morning Herald).

Earlier work as Washington correspondent

  • Before News Breakfast, Rowland served as the ABC’s Washington correspondent from 2005 to 2009 (ABC News).
  • He covered major US political events during that period.

Other television appearances

  • Rowland occasionally filled in on other ABC programs and was a familiar presence on election night coverage.

The pattern: Rowland built his reputation through steady, trusted reporting – first from Washington, then from the morning studio. His move to News Breakfast turned him into one of Australia’s most recognisable journalists.

Who is Michael Rowland’s wife?

Rowena: a speech pathologist

  • Michael Rowland is married to Rowena, a speech pathologist. The couple lives in Sydney.
  • Rowena has maintained a low public profile throughout his career.

The couple’s relationship and family

  • They have two children together. Rowland has cited the family’s needs as a factor in his decision to step back from the early-morning schedule (ABC News YouTube).

The catch: Rowland has not publicly detailed any specific health issues in his family. The decision appears driven by a general desire for more quality time, not a crisis.

How old is Michael Rowland?

Date of birth and current age

  • Michael Rowland was born in July 1968, making him 56 as of 2025 – though this is based on standard biographical sources and his long career timeline.

Early life and education

  • He grew up in suburban Sydney and began his journalism career at local newspapers and radio in the 1980s.

Career timeline

  • 1980s: Began in print and radio journalism.
  • Early 2000s: Joined ABC as a reporter.
  • 2005–2009: Washington correspondent (ABC News).
  • 2009/2010–2024: Co-host of ABC News Breakfast (ABC News).

What this means: Rowland has spent the majority of his adult life in journalism, with the last 15 years in the most demanding slot – early mornings. His age and tenure make his decision to step back understandable, not surprising.

Timeline

  • : Born in Australia.
  • : ABC Washington correspondent (ABC News).
  • : Becomes co-host of ABC News Breakfast (ABC News).
  • : Announces departure from News Breakfast (ABC News).
  • : Final broadcast (TV Tonight).
  • : James Glenday takes over as co-host (Sydney Morning Herald).
  • : Expected return to ABC (ABC News YouTube).

What we know vs. what we don’t

Confirmed facts

  • Rowland left ABC News Breakfast in December 2024 after 15 years.
  • He remains at the ABC and will return in mid-2025.
  • James Glenday replaced him as co-host.
  • He cited personal reasons and the right timing.

What’s unclear

  • His exact future role at the ABC.
  • The specific nature of his family considerations.
  • Whether he will eventually leave the ABC permanently.

Quotes

“It’s the best job I’ve had at the ABC.”

Michael Rowland, speaking to Sydney Morning Herald

“I decided the time was right to step back from the program.”

Michael Rowland, in ABC News YouTube interview

“The veteran news presenter is making massive changes following his departure from the public broadcaster after four decades.”

Rowland’s Facebook post, via Influencing

Rowland’s exit from the morning show chair is not the end of his ABC story. For the network, the challenge is to retain the trust he built while introducing a new face. For Rowland, the choice to step away early – even when asked to stay – shows a clear priority: family ahead of the camera. For viewers, the coming months will reveal whether he returns to the screen or redefines his role behind it. For Michael Rowland, the quiet morning after 15 years of alarm clocks is finally here.

Related reading: **Red Symons: Age, Family, Skyhooks, ABC Exit & Life Now** · **Osher Gunsberg: Mental Health, Name Change, and Family**

Additional sources

facebook.com, en.wikipedia.org, indailysa.com.au, womensweekly.com.au, youtube.com

Michael Rowland’s departure from ABC News Breakfast and his family life are detailed in ABC Journalists Departure and Family.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Michael Rowland retiring?

No. Rowland has indicated he is taking a break from News Breakfast but remains an ABC employee and expects to return in mid-2025 for new projects (ABC News YouTube).

What was Michael Rowland’s salary at ABC?

His salary has not been publicly disclosed. As a senior ABC presenter, his compensation falls under the broadcaster’s standard talent agreements.

Did Michael Rowland win any journalism awards?

He has not been widely reported as winning major individual awards, but his work as a Washington correspondent and News Breakfast co-host has been recognised by the ABC and industry peers.

How tall is Michael Rowland?

His height is not a matter of public record and has not been disclosed in any reliable source.

What is Michael Rowland’s educational background?

Details of his university education are not widely published. He began his career in local journalism in the 1980s.

What other TV shows has Michael Rowland appeared on?

Apart from News Breakfast, Rowland has appeared as a fill-in host on other ABC programs and has been part of election night coverage.

Does Michael Rowland have any siblings?

Information about siblings is not publicly available from reliable sources.