Poaching Sarah Harris from under Nine’s nose was a very smart move by Rob McKnight (ex-Nine himself). Harris is a proven performer – a solid and well respected journalist who has proven herself on the national and world stages, a competent and trusted Newsreader, and a seasoned and entertaining presenter who most recently has covered the Mornings beat with David Campbell in Sonia Kruger’s Big Brother-enforced absences. From the press release:
Network Ten today announced the third host of its new morning show Studio 10: acclaimed television host, reporter and newsreader Sarah Harris.
Sarah joins the previously announced hosts of Studio 10: legendary media editor, businesswoman, best-selling author and 2013 Australian of the Year, Ita Buttrose AO OBE, and newspaper columnist and television presenter, Joe Hildebrand. A fourth host will be revealed soon.
Sarah’s 16-year career in journalism has included roles at Prime Media Group, Seven Network and Nine Network. In recent years, she has presented and reported for Nine’s Weekend Today, Mornings, Nine News Australia and Today.
Studio 10 Executive Producer Rob McKnight said: “Sarah was always my first choice for the important role of ‘bus driver’. “She will steer the conversation and set up the topics. She’s warm, smart and very funny. Joe won’t know what’s hit him. Some very talented people across all networks are making their way to Ten to be part of this great adventure and I’m absolutely thrilled Sarah has joined the team,” Rob said.
“We haven’t rushed into signing up the panel. We’re making sure we’ve got the absolute best people on this show and the simple fact is, Sarah is one of the best.”
Sarah said: “Ita is an industry icon and Joe’s a media maverick. Together they are television dynamite. And as a journo, I jumped – actually make that pole-vaulted – at the chance to work with them. I’ve covered my fair share of earthquakes, cyclones and floods over the years, so wrangling Joe everyday will be a breeze. Rob McKnight is, and he won’t mind me saying this, a total TV nerd: he eats, sleeps and breathes it. Combine that with the genius of Adam Boland and Studio 10 promises to be something really special,” she said.
Studio 10 will debut later this year as part of Network Ten’s new morning line-up, which also includes the breakfast program Wake Up. The new morning show will be broadcast live every weekday from Network Ten’s Sydney studios at Pyrmont, and will feature a unique in-the-round set and a live studio audience.