The veteran ABC journalist Fran Kelly’s decision to hang up her headphones as the presenter of RN Breakfast at the end of the year has prompted strong reactions from across the political spectrum, her colleagues and her listeners.
Appearing on the show shortly after her emotional announcement, treasurer Josh Frydenberg praised Kelly for her fairness throughout her tenure.
“You’ve been fair. We might not always agree on the question, or the premise of the question, but over 17 years you’ve been an outstanding journalist,” he said.
“Your dulcet tones have been heard around many kitchen tables across the country, and you’ve always been measure, you’ve always been reassuring.”
Messages from listeners flooded into the station in the minutes after her revelation.
350 texts to the @RNBreakfast text line in the 10 minutes since @frankelly08 announced she will be leaving at the end of the year.
— Matt Bevan (@MatthewBevan) October 20, 2021
Matt Bevan, an RN Breakfast reporter, said the initial reactions were “along the lines of “OH NO”, followed by many reflecting on the effect Kelly had had on their lives.
I’ll so miss her voice when I’m having that fist cuppa of the day - thanks a million Fran for all those early mornings (middle of the night to most of us) shifts enjoy the sleep in and thanks a million. #Fran
— DublingirlinOz (@syllambert) October 20, 2021
Mornings won’t be the same without Fran, with her professional yet personable style and infectious enthusiasm. Thanks for nearly two decades of keeping us informed and go well.
— Nancy Gordon (@NancyGordon3) October 20, 2021
Thank you @frankelly08 for all your excellent journalism on RN Breakfast. I particularly appreciated your coverage in my early parenting years, up with a small baby in the night. Looking forward to a cup of tea and listening to RN at 6am was a big part of managing, so thank you!
— Ariane Wilkinson (@arianewilkinson) October 20, 2021
Many listeners sent in messages lamenting her departure, but after Kelly spent 17 years waking up at 3:30am, empathy was a common theme of many responses.
You will be missed in our house Fran. Your interviews showed depth and professionalism but more importantly your strong moral and ethical compass. I hope you enjoy your sleep ins. Good onya Fran.
— Mary Anne Kenny (@maryannekenny) October 20, 2021
You're part of our informed lives & for that we are grateful. We will miss you. Wishing you sweet sleep ins.
— Fabiantom (@fabiantom3) October 20, 2021
Labour’s Penny Wong, who also appeared on RN Breakfast soon after the announcement, paid tribute to Kelly.
“I just want to say, I understand your announcement this morning, (but its) very sad news for the country and for the listeners,” she said.
“I want to acknowledge your lifelong contribution to the democracy. Journalism matters, facts matter, you’ve always sought to find the facts and seek the truth. You’ve been tough but fair, and this is so important in our democracy.”
Wong’s political colleagues echoed her sentiments on Twitter.
Some of toughest interviews MPs do are with @frankelly08 . But we keep coming back. The questions are tough but it’s a real conversation with no grandstanding. Australia is better informed every day thanks to Fran Kelly. Mornings won’t be the same.
— Tony Burke (@Tony_Burke) October 20, 2021
Waking up without @frankelly08 on ABC Radio will not be the same.
— Tanya Plibersek (@tanya_plibersek) October 20, 2021
You didn’t simply listen to @RNBreakfast, you listened to Fran. You didn’t do an interview on RN Breakfast, you did an interview on Fran.
Thank you for your tenacity and for actually caring deeply about the principles our democratic system is based on. https://t.co/EP9662Vwbb
— Catherine King MP (@CatherineKingMP) October 20, 2021
Many journalists also shared their sadness, with some describing her as an inspiration.
Fran Kelly is a giant of Australian media. I’ve looked up to her incredible political interviews for so long. Listening to them is always a masterclass in journalism and I learn so much. Can’t believe she’s leaving 😭😭😭 https://t.co/OfBz0sAGTy
— Avani Dias (@AvaniDias) October 20, 2021
Not happy, Fran. (Sorry, couldn't resist). First @robbie_buck & @wendy_harmer, then the Herald's editor @lisazdavies and now @frankelly08. What's going on?
— Kate McClymont (@Kate_McClymont) October 20, 2021
Wishing all of you the best for what's to come next. https://t.co/qvFkCVdo12
Hail Fran - what an exceptional innings! Loved waking up with Fran for thousands upon thousands of weekday mornings #wakingupwithFran 🙌 https://t.co/F9Xg9awv3J
— Sandra Sully 📺🎧📲🏑🌺 (@Sandra_Sully) October 20, 2021
Kelly appeared on ABC News soon after her show ended.
“I’ve had a wonderful, wonderful response from the audience in particular, and across the political spectrum,” she said.
“The most powerful moments were not when we’re talking to the politicians or the lawyers or the banking chiefs or whoever, but when we’re talking to the people here, and overseas, who are affected by events of the world that we’re reporting on, or the political decisions being made.
“It’s the people’s responses and the impacts of them … thats where the power is, thats where the emotions of radio is.”
