Key facts
- Sarah Macdonald will return to ABC Radio's Sydney schedule in March.
- Macdonald replaces the late James Valentine on the Afternoons program.
- Macdonald was dismissed from her role in November 2024.
- ABC director audio Ben Latimer announced Macdonald's return.
- Macdonald stated she missed ABC listeners' wit and wisdom.
- Macdonald's return adds a woman to the ABC's 2026 lineup.
ABC Radio has reinstated presenter Sarah Macdonald to its Sydney schedule, two years after her dismissal. Macdonald will take over the Afternoons slot on 702 ABC Sydney from March, replacing the late James Valentine.
ABC director audio Ben Latimer announced Macdonald's return on Wednesday, stating that listeners had missed her and that she understood the program's significance. Macdonald was originally sacked in November 2024 without explanation, a decision that led to significant backlash from colleagues and listeners.
At the time of her dismissal, Macdonald expressed her disappointment on air, noting that the ABC had decided not to renew her contract despite what she described as improved ratings and successful story-breaking. She highlighted her interviews with the new governor general and the premier of New South Wales, as well as leading election coverage and the move to new studios.
James Valentine, a broadcaster and musician, passed away in April, three months after concluding a 25-year tenure hosting the Afternoons program. Macdonald confirmed she was contacted by ABC managing director Hugh Marks via text on April Fool's Day to arrange a meeting.
Macdonald expressed her eagerness to reconnect with listeners, stating she had missed their "wit and wisdom" and looked forward to "hanging out again" to discuss life's issues. Her return also addresses the ABC's 2026 lineup, which will now include a woman in the Afternoons slot, following Chris Bath's replacement by Thomas Oriti. Former Media Watch host Paul Barry and outgoing drive presenter Richard Glover were among those who publicly expressed shock and dismay at Macdonald's initial dismissal.