Isabella Higgins has been appointed as the new host of ABC's AM radio program, succeeding Sabra Lane, who departed the role after nine years. Higgins, a Torres Strait Islander woman, has been with the ABC since 2014, serving in various reporting and correspondent roles across Australia and internationally. The appointment was announced this morning, with both Higgins and ABC's Director of News, Justin Stevens, commenting on the program's legacy and Higgins's career.
New Role and Program Legacy
Isabella Higgins assumes the host position for AM, ABC's long-running audio current affairs program. The program, which has a nearly 60-year history, is known for setting the daily news agenda through its coverage of current stories, developments, and interviews with political leaders and newsmakers. Higgins expressed that taking on the role is an honor and a privilege, acknowledging the program's strong legacy and loyal audience. She succeeds Sabra Lane, who announced her departure in December after nine years as host. Lane is expected to take on a new role with the ABC following a period of leave.
Isabella Higgins's Career Background
Higgins joined the ABC in 2014, beginning her career in regional and state newsrooms before moving to metropolitan newsrooms. Her previous senior positions include National Indigenous Affairs Correspondent, National Social Affairs Reporter, and Europe Correspondent.
As Europe Correspondent from 2021 to 2024, based in London, Higgins covered a range of significant international events. These included changes in British Prime Ministers, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, conflicts in the Middle East, and the 2024 US Presidential election from Arizona. She also contributed as a senior reporter for the Voice referendum.
Earlier in her career, Higgins's reporting on suicide rates in Indigenous communities received multiple award nominations, leading to her being honored with a Walkley Foundation Young Journalist Award in 2019. She has also stated her passion for making world and community news accessible to Australians.
In personal news, Higgins has announced she is expecting her first child.
Executive Comments
Justin Stevens, ABC Director of News, described Higgins as an "outstanding journalist" who will be a "superb anchor" for the AM program. Stevens also acknowledged Sabra Lane's contributions to AM over her nearly a decade in the role.