Brief
Sarah Macdonald to host ABC 702 Afternoons from March 2027
The former Mornings presenter will succeed James Valentine on ABC 702 Sydney's Afternoons program starting next March.
By Felo News Desk · Published
ABC 702 Sydney has announced that Sarah Macdonald will return to the station to host the Afternoons show from March 2027, less than two years after her contract was not renewed in late 2024.
What happened
The broadcaster confirmed the change on 7 October 2026, stating that Macdonald, who previously presented Mornings, will take over the slot formerly held by James Valentine for more than two decades. Valentine, who stepped away after a brief stint on Breakfast, died of oesophageal cancer in April 2026. The Afternoons program was temporarily co‑hosted by James O’Loghlin and Kathryn Robinson before the new appointment.
What the reports add
The article notes that Macdonald spent the intervening period podcasting, appearing weekly on Mark Levy’s 2GB show and writing a sequel‑style book to her 2002 India travel memoir. It also records that ABC managing director Hugh Marks contacted her on April 1, 2026, to discuss a possible return.
What was said
Macdonald said, “James and I were friends and I deeply miss him… I feel really honoured to be stepping into his shoes, his seat, his microphone. It’s very emotional – it’s a lot – and I hope to do him proud.” She added that she sought the blessing of Valentine’s widow, psychologist Joanne Corrigan, before accepting. Station manager Nick Lowther praised her, saying, “Sarah is one of those broadcasters who builds a genuine, lasting bond with her audience.”
How it came about
The decision follows public outcry after Macdonald’s 2024 axing and a period of freelance work. ABC officials declined to comment on the reasons for her earlier dismissal or on current ratings impacts.
Key facts
- Sarah Macdonald will host ABC 702 Sydney Afternoons from March 2027. (smh.com.au)
- James Valentine, longtime Afternoons host, died in April 2026. (smh.com.au)
- Macdonald was contacted by ABC managing director Hugh Marks on April 1, 2026. (smh.com.au)
- Nick Lowther, station manager, praised Macdonald’s return. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Sarah Macdonald returns to ABC 702: Popular presenter to host Afternoons from March”
