Long-term ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland is departing the show, delivering the announcement on Monday morning.

“I love working on News Breakfast. Every morning is a buzz and it’s by far the best job I’ve had at the ABC,” Rowland said.

“But after 15 years of 3am starts my body is screaming ‘enough!’. The hours have finally caught up with me.”

Rowland, who began at the national broadcaster’s flagship breakfast TV show as a co-host in 2010, said he planned to take a long break. But he will return to the ABC, in a yet to be announced role, later in 2025.

His is the latest departure from the program, following co-host Lisa Millar, who left in August, and Tony Armstrong, who announced he was leaving in October.

“It has been a thrill interviewing everyone from prime ministers to Hollywood superstars,” Rowland said.

“On what other program can you switch from presenting hard news to diving into a chilli-eating competition or dancing the Nutbush [badly]?”

Some program news:

I will be leaving News Breakfast at the end of next week.

I love this job but after 15 years of 3am starts, my body is screaming ‘Enough!’ It’s time for a long break before turning to other ABC projects.

Thanks, everyone! pic.twitter.com/Hnip66GEYn

— Michael Rowland (@mjrowland68) December 1, 2024

He confirmed that ABC bosses had asked him to stay until after next year’s federal election. But the 56-year-old said he had decided “now is the right time to step back”.

His last day on air will be December 13.

“I’m sorry to the viewers out there for the short notice. I’m not one for long and drawn out farewells and I wanted minimal fuss,” he said.

Rowland began his career at the ABC as a news cadet in 1987. He spent five years as a political reporter in Canberra.

He later served as the ABC’s correspondent in Washington, covering the election of Barack Obama and the onset of the global financial crisis.

He also had stints as a business reporter, Lateline economics correspondent and state political reporter in NSW and Victoria.

More recently, he has also covered events such as multiple political leadership challenges in Canberra, the Black Summer bushfires, and co-anchored the ABC’s coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth.

In 2021, he clashed with then federal health minister Greg Hunt over a Liberal Party logo appearing on a coronavirus vaccine announcement.

“I know this is an issue for you. In many ways, you identify with the left,” Hunt told Rowland.

“No, no, minister, I find that offensive,” the TV host replied.

On Monday he said he would miss his co-workers on the breakfast show.

“But I will miss our viewers even more. I am intensely proud of helping build the News Breakfast audience over the years. Thank you all sincerely for entrusting me with your mornings,” he said.

There were tributes for Rowland from viewers and his co-host Bridget Brennan.

“I’ve been able to watch firsthand his enduring dedication to strong journalism and public service,” she said.

“Australians will miss his presence each and every morning enormously, but I know we all appreciate the incredible effort he has given to News Breakfast for such a long time.”

One of Monday morning’s guests, tennis champ and disability advocate Dylan Alcott also offered a tribute.

“I have been coming on this show for many years, even when nobody knew who I was. You were always a massive supporter of me and disability and disability stories, mate,” he said.

“Every time I come in here someone retires. Last time it was Tony, and from me and the community, thank you to you. Congratulations, brother.”

ABC News director Justin Stevens said Rowland had been central to News Breakfast‘s success, calling him “a familiar and trusted face for viewers”.

“His ability to traverse serious reporting as well as lighter topics, and do it on live TV for three hours every morning, shows what a hugely talented broadcaster he is,” Stevens said.

“We’ll miss him a lot on the News Brekky couch but we can’t wait to see what he does next for the ABC after a well-deserved rest.”

The ABC will announce Rowland’s replacement in due course.