Ellen Fanning
Ellen Fanning | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 8, 1967 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist, television and radio presenter |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Known for | Presenter of Drive on ABC Radio Brisbane, host of The Drum, Sunday program on Nine Network |
Ellen Mary Fanning (born 8 September 1967) is a prominent Australian journalist.
She is presently the presenter of the Drive show on ABC Radio Brisbane.
Previously, Fanning was the host of The Drum broadcast on both ABC TV and the ABC News Channel, as well as the Sunday program on the Nine Network.
Career
Fanning launched her professional journey in commercial radio in 1988, following her completion of a communications degree at the Queensland University of Technology. She joined the ABC, where she anchored national current affairs programs such as PM, AM, and occasionally appeared on The 7.30 Report aired on ABC TV.
After serving as a producer for ABC’s late-night show Lateline, she was appointed as the North America correspondent in 1997, operating out of Washington, D.C.
In 2000, Fanning transitioned to the Nine Network, contributing reports to 60 Minutes and A Current Affair. She also served as a fill-in presenter for these programs and for Today. By 2005, she took over as presenter of Nightline, succeeding Helen Kapalos.
Fanning authored and directed a six-part documentary series titled Fine Line in 2002 for SBS TV, which examined ethical issues within journalism.
In 2006, she co-hosted Sunday alongside Ross Greenwood and became the sole presenter following Ray Martin’s exit in 2008.
In 2013, she led the 20-episode series The Observer Effect on SBS TV. Beginning September 2014, she took over as host of Classic Breakfast on ABC Classic, replacing Ed Le Brocq.
Returning to ABC TV in 2017, Fanning co-hosted The Drum until its conclusion in December 2023.
In November 2024, ABC declared that Fanning would assume hosting duties for the Drive program on ABC Radio Brisbane, commencing in 2025.
Personal life
Born in Brisbane, Queensland, Fanning attended All Hallows' School. She is married and has two sons.