Jeremy Fernandez, one of the ABC’s most accomplished presenters and journalists, is to take up the post as main anchor of the NSW 7PM News.
Already well-known to the NSW 7PM audience as a weekend presenter, from Monday 11 September, Fernandez will present the bulletin five nights a week. He takes the baton from Juanita Phillips after her outstanding two decades in the role.
Fernandez said of taking on the post: “I am tremendously humbled to be entrusted with this role alongside colleagues I’ve admired for so many years. I look forward to continuing my work across the ABC network, alongside the nightly NSW 7PM News.
“I’d like to thank my colleagues in the NSW newsroom for their support. I also honour and congratulate my friend and colleague Juanita Phillips for her outstanding service and mentorship to me and others.
“Through my years of reporting I’ve met so many people who’ve generously trusted the ABC to share their stories. Their accounts of hardship, achievement and community service – and their resilience and sense of humour – have made an imprint on me and my journalism.
“Our audiences always inform everything we do.”
Phillips said of Fernandez’s appointment: “Jeremy is a dear friend and one of the most talented broadcasters I’ve ever worked with. He has that rare combination of warmth and gravitas that audiences connect with. The viewers already know and trust Jez from his weekend presenting and I am delighted that we will be seeing more of him at 7PM.”
ABC Director, News Justin Stevens: “Jeremy is a huge asset to the ABC News team, talented, dedicated and a terrific colleague who is liked and respected by audiences.
“While we are sad to farewell Juanita Phillips, our flagship NSW bulletin is in the best hands. We will also continue to deploy Jeremy in other presenting roles for News and across the ABC.”
See also: Juanita Phillips to farewell ABC after 21 years with the public broadcaster
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Top image: Jeremy Fernandez