Mike Tetlow is leaving the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) after more than eight years to take up a new position as Manager of Media at the Rottnest Island Authority.
Tetlow’s exit brings to a close his tenure with ABC’s Late News program, where he worked until midnight five nights a week.
“It means leaving Late News and the ABC after more than 8 incredible years,” Tetlow said. “I have loved it, but working until midnight five nights a week has taken its toll.”
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Family time a factor
Tetlow said the decision was driven by a desire for more time with his family. He is married to Rochelle, and the couple have two sons, Josh and Sam.
“My boys Josh and Sam are getting older and evenings with them are precious,” he said. “As is time with my amazing wife Rochelle who has been carrying the can every weeknight all these years, with unwavering support.”
Colleagues and audience
Tetlow said he would miss both his ABC colleagues and the audiences with whom he built rapport over the course of his career.
“So many ABC colleagues have become wonderful friends, and I will miss them,” he said. “I will also miss the special connection with TV viewers and listeners to ABC Radio.”
A long-held ambition realised
Tetlow’s move caps a broadcasting career that began as a teenage ambition in the 1990s.
“Teenage Mike, who in the 1990s dreamed of working in broadcasting, would have scarcely believed where his career would take him,” he said.
Tetlow is due to start his new role at the Rottnest Island Authority in the coming weeks.
Mediaweek has reached out to the ABC for comment.
Main image: Mike Tetlow