Allison Langdon will replace veteran broadcaster Tracy Grimshaw as presenter of Nine’s A Current Affair, while Sarah Abo has been appointed as the new co-presenter of the Today programme.
Langdon, who was widely tipped to succeed Grimshaw in the role, has been a journalist at Nine since 2002 and became co-presenter of Today in January 2020.
Her vacancy at Today will be filled by Abo, a 60 Minutes journalist who previously worked at SBS and Ten. Abo also hosted one of the leaders’ debates during the last federal election campaign, which drew criticism for its chaotic format.
In a statement, Langdon, who has previously worked for 9News, Nightline and 60 Minutes, said hosting ACA was “an incredible honor.”
“A show that I love, respect and have watched since I was in school and Jana Wendt was the host,” he said.
“I’m not going to lie; it’s daunting to fill the role that Tracy has played so brilliantly for the past 17 years, with such warmth and compassion. I look forward to bringing my own warmth and compassion to the show as we continue to tell great stories that matter to our amazing viewers.”
Abo, who was born in Syria and moved to Australia when he was four, covered major international events during his time at SBS, including the 2016 US presidential election.
He said the 3am start that will come with breakfast TV “will be an adjustment” but that he was “looking forward to keeping Karl [Stefanovic] at his feet”.
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“I know Ally will make a success of the move to ACA and I can’t wait to see her in the saddle.”
The moves come amid a changing of the guard at Channel Ten’s The Project, with three prominent hosts announcing their departures.
Both Abo and Langdon will begin their new roles in January.