Chris Wisbey has announced his retirement following a 38-year career on ABC Radio and television and will host a a special farewell broadcast from 10am to 12pm on Sunday 7 April, reflecting on his time with the ABC.
Speaking today on Mornings, Chris told listeners that the time had come for him to enjoy his weekends out in the community rather than in the studio. “Tasmania is rich in people doing amazing things. Working for the ABC has given me an invitation to talk with Australia’s most interesting people – it’s been a privilege to speak with people from all walks of life.”
With a career in journalism working across Tasmania, around Australia and internationally, Chris has received many accolades for his work including the 2017 Keith Welsh Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism in Tasmania.
During his time at the ABC he has worked in Townsville, Cairns, Tamworth, Grafton, Lismore, Orange and Kempsey, and hosted national programs including Australia All Over and Morning Extra.
Chris said that he had especially enjoyed working with those whom he had collaborated closely with over the years, including Gardening Australia’s Peter Cundall.
He also reflected on the fond memories he has from the many outside broadcasts he presented with Weekends. “We did 44 outside broadcasts in one year, travelling with a satellite phone. We were out every weekend and it was just fantastic to connect directly with both our local listeners and those from afar.”
Local Manager of ABC Hobart Samantha Stayner thanked Chris for his outstanding contribution to the ABC and to local communities across Australia.“While we are sad to see Chris go, we are focusing on celebrating his incredible 38 years with the ABC and are sure that his loyal listeners will feel the same.
“He will be greatly missed, both by our audience and his colleagues here at the ABC and we wish him all the best as he spends more time on his many projects outside of broadcasting.
We encourage everyone to tune in on Sunday 7 April for the special broadcast to farewell Chris.”
Chris thanked his ABC colleagues and producers, his regular guests and most importantly, his listeners from across Tasmania and Australia who he has connected with over the past four decades and says he is looking forward to spending his weekends with his family and on his farm in southern Tasmania.
The ABC will announce Chris’s replacement in the coming months.
