Sabra Lane is farewelling the ABC’s AM after nine years as host of the current affairs radio program. Lane joined the ABC’s Canberra bureau in 2008 and was appointed chief political correspondent in 2011 for ABC Radio Current Affairs. She was also chief political correspondent for 7.30 before joining AM in 2017. Since 2021, she has presented the program from Hobart.

“When I was approached to anchor AM, it was a dream come true,” she said.

“I was asked to commit to presenting the program for two electoral cycles, preferably three, and I’ve done three.

“This has been my ninth year hosting the program, but my body is saying ‘enough’.”

Lane thanked her guests on the program, including “the politicians and leaders who’ve not wanted to front up, but still have”.

“It is essential in a healthy democracy for you to appear, explain your decisions and be accountable,” she said.

“I wish that you’d abandon the political messaging and flowery language. Please, be honest, clear and accountable — that’s what the public wants.”

She also thanked her listeners, saying: “I’ve kept you in the forefront of my mind while framing questions, in interviewing political leaders and in trying to explain this crazy world we live in.”

Lane will take extended leave before returning to a new role with the ABC.  

The new AM presenter has not yet been announced.