{
  "id": 12490255,
  "title": "Sarah Macdonald returns to ABC radio after being sacked in 2024",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/sarah-macdonald-returns-to-abc-radio-after-being-sacked-in-2024",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T22:59:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Guardian",
    "slug": "the-guardian",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/oct/07/sarah-macdonald-returns-abc-radio-james-valentine-ntwnfb"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a surprising turn of events, ABC Radio presenter Sarah Macdonald is set to return to the network's local Sydney radio schedule, beginning in March. This announcement comes two years after Macdonald was abruptly sacked by ABC director of audio Ben Latimer, who revealed her return on Wednesday, citing the popularity of her former program. Macdonald expressed her delight at the opportunity, stating that she understands the program's significance to the audience and is eager to continue her work in Afternoons. Her departure in November 2024 sparked outrage among colleagues and listeners, who praised her for breaking stories, conducting interviews, and leading election coverage during her tenure. James Valentine, the late host of Sydney's Afternoons program, passed away in April three months after retiring after 25 years on the air. Macdonald confirmed she received a text from ABC managing director Hugh Marks on April Fool's Day, asking for a meeting, and thanked listeners for their support. The move also marks a shift in the network's all-male lineup, with a female presenter joining the team from 2026.",
  "summary": "The manager who removed Macdonald two years ago announced she would replace the late James Valentine from March Two years after her shock axing the ABC has backflipped and reinstated ABC Radio presenter Sarah Macdonald to Sydney’s local radio schedule, where she will replace the late James Valentine from March. The manager who had removed Macdonald without explanation, ABC director audio Ben…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Guardian Australia",
        "title": "Sarah Macdonald returns to ABC radio after being sacked in 2024",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/sarah-macdonald-returns-to-abc-radio-after-being-sacked-in-2024-12494563",
        "published": "2026-10-06T22:59:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}