Popular ABC presenter Virginia Trioli leaves after 27 years

Veteran journalist Virginia Trioli has announced she is departing the ABC after 27 years with the broadcaster.

The 60-year-old presenter appeared on ABC News Breakfast on Thursday to confirm the news and revealed her plans to pursue new creative opportunities.

‘I’ve got some news to share. After 27 years at the ABC it’s time for me to depart,’ she told hosts James Glenday and Bridget Brennan.

‘I’m really happy to leave now because, after spending the last few years with distinctive, great Australian creatives, I’ve come to realise I’m a bit of a creative type myself. And so I’m off to do my own work.’

Virginia revealed that she has been working on ‘a couple of books’ and hinted at ‘a TV thing or two’.

‘I’m incredibly grateful. I’ve been handed every great opportunity that the ABC has to offer a presenter,’ she added.

‘I’ve been shocked and thrilled every time that’s happened and I’m so pleased for every opportunity and it’s time for me to move on and do something else now.’

Following her on-air announcement, Virginia shared the news on Instagram. 

‘It’s bittersweet – but if not now, when?’ she began.

‘This feels like the right time to head off and be a creative type of my own. I have so so much more to say – but that’s for another time. 

‘Right now, I couldn’t have been here if you weren’t out there watching and listening through times glorious and so tough. So to you – thank you. 

She signed off with, ‘Can’t wait to show you what’s next.’

Her post was soon inundated with well-wishes.

‘What a remarkable innings. Congratulations,’ wrote Channel Nine’s David Campbell. 

‘VT – you always raised the bar and I will never forget the welcome you extended to me when I arrived in 2019 to fill your big shoes. I can’t wait to see what comes next x,’ added ABC host Lisa Millar. 

‘Congrats Virginia!!! Looking forward to what’s next,’ commented actor Rodger Corser.  

Virginia, a respected journalist and broadcaster, joined the ABC in 1999.

In August 2023, she sensationally quit her ABC Radio Melbourne morning show, as she planned a return to TV.

Her departure came just months after she returned to the station following a lengthy hiatus caused by a ‘long and complex summer of family illness’.

‘Before I returned to work here in April after my long break over summer, I informed my managers here at ABC Radio Melbourne that I needed to step down from this position presenting mornings on this station,’ she announced.

‘I now find myself at that stage of life that requires me to live and to work in a different way.’

In March 2023, the presenter took to social media to explain her absence after confused fans questioned when she would return.

Virginia said she felt she couldn’t commit to the gruelling early morning hours of her radio show when her priorities were elsewhere.

‘Some personal news: it’s been a long and complex summer of family illness, and my focus needs to be on home for now,’ she wrote.

‘To my wonderful ABC Melbourne Mornings audience: I’ll see you very soon, and many thanks to my ABC colleagues and management for their kindness and support.’

She previously hosted Sunday Arts, Artscape and Q&A with well-placed sources telling the publication the ABC was developing a new prime-time show for her.

The experienced journalist went into the ABC radio job in October 2019, switching from a role as News Breakfast TV co-host.