Chris Bath will step down as ABC Radio Sydney’s Drive host at the end of 2025, announcing her departure after what she described as “a big year” in the chair.
Bath broke the news to listeners during today’s program, telling them: “Timing in life is a funny thing, and I’ve decided to step down from Drive to pursue some passion projects and different opportunities away from the news cycle that have been beckoning for years. I know I’m leaving Drive listeners and my team in safe and kind hands with Tom Oriti.”
Bath, who took over Drive in early 2025 following Richard Glover’s 26-year tenure, said she’s looking forward to a slower, more reflective format. “
The great thing is that I’ll get to gasbag with listeners about some of those passion projects and perhaps explore theirs too on the radio on Sunday mornings on ABC Radio Sydney,” she said.
“The new show will be an antidote to the relentlessness of the news cycle, celebrating people doing great things across NSW, and creating that sense of community that ABC local radio does so well.”
Her new Sunday program will air from 10am to 12pm AEDT across Sydney and NSW.
New host named
The Drive microphone will pass to Thomas Oriti in 2026. Currently host of the national Breakfast program on ABC NewsRadio and Background Briefing on ABC RN, Oriti has spent 17 years with the broadcaster across AM, PM, The World Today, triple j, regional NSW and ABC TV.
“ABC Radio Sydney has always been part of my life – I grew up listening to it, and it’s shaped the way I think about journalism and storytelling,” Oriti said.
“To now be joining the team as Drive presenter is a real privilege. I’m excited to connect with listeners across the city and continue the tradition of thoughtful, engaging radio.”
Oriti grew up in the Blue Mountains and lives in Sydney with his wife, ABC National Disability Affairs Reporter Nas Campanella, and their son, Lachie.
Thomas Oriti
ABC praises both presenters
ABC Head of Capital City Networks, Anthony Frangi, said Bath’s impact had been immediate: “Chris has done a remarkable job stepping into the Drive slot. It’s a testament to her warmth and talent that she’s been so embraced by our audience. I’m sure Sunday mornings will be all the richer for her presence.”
He also welcomed Oriti’s next move. “Thomas is a wonderful talent and we’re excited to welcome him to ABC Radio Sydney Drive in the new year.”
Second departure
Bath’s exit from Aunty comes just weeks after it was revealed she was also leaving Network 10 as part of a broader restructure of its news output and staffing.
Bath, who joined Ten in 2017, hosted a 90-minute national Saturday bulletin, a separate 90-minute Perth bulletin, and a one-hour Sunday bulletin.
It is understood the network decided not to renew her contract.
She will be replaced by presenter Georgie Tunny, who joined Ten in 2022 via The Project. Tunny, 34, is understood to be part of the network’s move to appeal to younger viewers as linear broadcast audiences continue to shift.