Fran Kelly

Fran Kelly
Born	Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Occupation(s)	Broadcaster, political correspondent, journalist
Years active	1980s–present
Known for	Hosting ABC Radio National Breakfast (2005–2021), hosting ABC TV's Frankly

Fran Kelly is a prominent Australian broadcaster, political correspondent, and current affairs journalist who presented the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Radio National program Breakfast from March 2005 until December 2021.

Early life and education

Raised in Adelaide, South Australia, Kelly was one of six children. Her father, Francis (Frank) Kelly, served in World War Two and worked as a chiropractor. She completed her secondary education at St Dominic's Priory College in 1974. After missing out on a cadetship at The Advertiser, she pursued an arts degree at the University of Adelaide, focusing on literature and classics while becoming actively involved in the women's movement, theatre, and music.

Between 1980 and the early 1980s, she was employed as an activities officer at both Flinders University and La Trobe University in Melbourne. During this period, she also led the all-female band Toxic Shock, which released a single in 1981.

Career in journalism

Kelly relocated to Sydney in 1988 to join The Drum on Triple J. By 1990, she was reporting for ABC Radio National’s current affairs shows AM and PM. Her career advanced through various positions including Canberra bureau chief, chief political correspondent for AM and PM, political editor for ABC's Radio National Breakfast and The 7:30 Report, as well as serving as ABC’s Europe correspondent. In 2005, she resumed hosting duties for Radio National Breakfast.

In 2008, Kelly participated in the documentary series The Howard Years, conducting an interview with former US president George W. Bush. She has also been a regular panelist and commentator on ABC TV’s Insiders, taking on hosting responsibilities from August to December 2019.

On 21 October 2021, Kelly announced her decision to step down from hosting RN Breakfast after a 17-year tenure. Nevertheless, she continued contributing to ABC by covering federal elections, co-hosting the podcast The Party Room, and engaging in other projects. Her final broadcast occurred on 2 December 2021.

In August 2022, Kelly was appointed as the host of ABC TV’s new chat program titled Frankly. This appointment triggered discussions about ageism within the media industry, with some critics suggesting that a younger presenter should have been chosen. Both ABC chair Ita Buttrose and Patricia Karvelas—Kelly’s successor on RN Breakfast—publicly defended her against these accusations.

Frankly debuted on 7 October 2022 with guests such as Shaun Micallef and Richard Harris. The show received a range of responses from mixed to favorable reviews.

In early 2024, Kelly introduced the podcast Yours Queerly, showcasing a variety of guests including Noongar journalist Narelda Jacobs and Pasifika drag performer Kween Kong.

Looking forward, Kelly is set to host a new program called Radio National Hour on ABC’s Radio National starting in 2025.

Recognition

Kelly was honoured with a Same Same 25 award in 2008, acknowledging her as one of Australia’s most influential figures within the gay and lesbian community. In 2011, she was listed among Sydney's top 100 most influential individuals by the(sydney)magazine and was described by the Australian digital publication Crikey as "one of the most influential media players in the country" during that same year.

Political views and activism

Kelly has long embraced the roles of activist and feminist, a commitment dating back to her school days. In 2007, she spearheaded the Australian Human Rights Commission's inquiry titled "Same-Sex: Same Entitlements." Additionally, she has engaged in One Just World's speaker series, including moderating a "Women of the World" session for WOMADelaide and delivering a speech at the 2009 "Stand Up Against Poverty" event.

Personal life

By August 2021, Kelly had shared nearly three decades with her partner, Marion Frith. She also serves as a stepmother to Frith's three children from an earlier relationship.