SBS Insight's Jenny Brockie quits after 19 years
SBS Insight host Jenny Brockie has announced she will be stepping down from the program after a mammoth 19 years at the helm.
The veteran reporter has hosted the weekly current affairs program for just shy of two decades, taking over from original presenter Dr Gael Jennings back in 2001.
The long time journalist made the announcement on Twitter on Thursday, clarifying that the decision to leave the program was hers.
Some news from me,” she wrote on Twitter. “After nearly 19 years presenting Insight I’ve decided I need a change. Before anyone leaps to conclusions, I’m happy to say this is my call. I’ve loved my job but a break has made me realise I want to do other things.”
She thanked SBS Managing Director James Taylor and new Director of News and Current Affairs Mandi Wicks for ‘encouraging me to stay with the network’ but ultimately respecting her decision.
Jenny hinted that her work for SBS may not be quite over, saying there are discussions of future contributions to the network.
“I’m proud of the work I’ve done over nearly two decades building Insight into a respected home for intelligent, thoughtful public discussion,” she continued in the Twitter thread. I’ve been blessed to work with some of the finest people in the business.”
“A special shoutout to Insight’s wonderful team. You're such a talented, lovely bunch of people. Thank you for all your extraordinary work. I’ve also enjoyed one of the kindest, most loyal audiences imaginable. To all of you, my sincerest thanks
“Above all, I’m grateful to the thousands of people who’ve trusted me with their stories over so many years. It’s been an honour to share the studio with you and bear witness to the many experiences you’ve had in your lives.”
Finally, she teased a new project on the horizon, saying after a break she would be ‘back with something new’.
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SBS thanks Jenny for ‘substantial contribution’
In a statement, Managing Director, James Taylor called Jenny ‘one of Australia’s most respected journalists’.
“I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge Jenny’s substantial contribution to SBS over almost two decades with Insight, and for her award-winning body of work,” he said in the statement.
“Jenny has been instrumental in growing and refining Insight from its early days to become the world-class forum program it is today, and we look forward to building on that success. Jenny will always be part of the SBS family and we’re hopeful she will return to our screens in the future.”
Director of News and Current Affairs, Mandi Wicks also thanked the journalist for her time, praising her excellent skills as an interviewer.
“Jenny is renowned for her curiosity and fairness, bringing forensic attention to detail and a warmth that puts interviewees at ease,” she said in a statement.
“She has unearthed some extraordinary first-person stories over the years, delivering the high-quality journalism our audiences know and trust us for.
“Jenny will be taking a break, and while we are sad to lose her from Insight, we’re discussing opportunities and fresh ideas in the hope we can work together at SBS in the future.”
A new host is yet to be announced, and presenters who have filled in for Jenny during her former breaks have included The Feed’s Marc Fennell and Alice Matthews and SBS News’ Janice Petersen.
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