Revealed: The TV star tipped to take over dumped ABC radio host Sarah Macdonald’s job

Rumours have been rife about who will take over from beloved ABC radio star Sarah Macdonald after she confirmed she was axed from the network.

The ABC702 Mornings host announced last week that she had been let go from the Sydney program after more than three decades working with the national broadcaster.

Now, Hamish Macdonald has been tipped to be the top contender to take over the popular morning breakfast show, according to news.com.au.

Insiders have claimed the broadcast journalist, 43, has the blessing of ABC boss Kim Williams, who succeeded Ita Buttrose as the national broadcaster’s chair in March.

Hamish is arguably best known for being a presenter on Network 10’s The Project and working on ABC Radio National’s RN Breakfast show.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted ABC for comment. 

Rumours have been rife about who will take over from beloved ABC radio star Sarah Macdonald after she confirmed she was axed from the network 

Now, Hamish Macdonald has been tipped to be the top contender to take over the popular morning breakfast show and insiders claimed he has backing from the top bosses 

Sarah’s axing from ABC’s airwaves sparked an uproar from fans, and the talented presenter is said to be ‘devastated’ to have been let go amid a huge hosting shake-up at the network. 

However, ABC boss Williams has since said he fully supported Sarah’s exit as the ABC looks to revitalise its radio division under audio director Ben Latimer.  

‘Changes in media are part of life,’ he told the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday. ‘They are part of the programming fabric of all organisations.’

ABC staffers were shocked by the move when it was announced alongside a raft of sweeping changes at the taxpayer-funded service, greeting the news with a round of boos in their Sydney headquarters.

However, Williams was adamant Sarah, who is well-liked and highly regarded throughout the industry, was not fired – just that her job has been given to someone else.

‘It’s inaccurate to say that Sarah Macdonald has been sacked,’ he said. 

‘Her role has not been renewed. They are different conceptually.

‘In a similar way, management has determined that it wishes to take that service in a different direction. 

Sarah’s axing from airwaves sparked an uproar from fans, but ABC chair Kim Williams (pictured) has since said he fully supported the decision as the ABC looks to revitalise its radio division

‘That decision is a management decision, and I fully support our management in making relevant decisions as to the direction and content of the services that the ABC provides. 

‘So, yes, I do support that decision, I do support the notion of refreshment in the various services that the ABC offers.’

The ABC has reportedly been inundated with complaints since Sarah revealed she had been given the boot live on-air on her show on Thursday morning.

‘Well, here’s the news from me in terms of disappointment,’ she told her listeners. 

‘I’m not going to be on the radio with you next year, the ABC has decided not to renew my contract here at Mornings. I am proud of what I’ve done. The ratings are up.’

She is not the only ABC radio star who has been given the boot in recent days as Simon Marnie also confirmed he has been sacked from his long-running weekend show.

He took to Instagram on Thursday morning to share the ‘shock’ news that the network is cutting his role presenting the NSW Weekend Mornings programs.

The announcement has come as a huge surprise to his fans as he has worked with the national broadcaster for more than 25 years.

Sarah is not the only ABC radio star who has been given the boot in recent days as Simon Marnie also confirmed he has been sacked from his long-running weekend show 

Simon is a fan favourite on the ABC’s Sydney weekend airwaves and fronts the Saturday morning slot from 6am until 12pm, as well as the Sunday show from 10am until 12pm.

Confirming his axing, he wrote in an emotional message: ‘After a week or so of speculation I can confirm that the ABC has looked at its Weekend Structure in 2025 and informed me they do not have a role for me in that structure.

‘This came as a shock and I am still processing what it means for me.

‘If you’re in Sydney on Sunday I’d love you to join me one last time for the Weekend Show Christmas Picnic Outside Broadcast at Jazz @ The House on the grounds of Government House.

‘Please come along. Sunday 1st Dec 10 – midday the broadcast. Jazz at the House all day.’