Jessica Rowe

Jessica Rowe
Born	(1970-06-22) June 22, 1970 Australia
Occupation(s)	Journalist, author, television host
Years active	1996–present
Known for	Co-host of Studio 10 on Network Ten; mental health advocacy
Notable work	The Best of Times, The Worst of Times; Love, Wisdom, Motherhood; Is This My Beautiful Life?

Jessica June Rowe (born 22 June 1970) is an Australian ex-journalist, author, and television host. She was a co-host on Studio 10 broadcasted by Network Ten until March 2018 and has been honored as a Member of the Order of Australia for her contributions to mental health advocacy.

Early life

Rowe completed her secondary education at Sydney Girls High School and graduated from Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1993. During her university years, she gained experience in broadcasting through community radio station 2MCE-FM. She furthered her studies by obtaining a Master of International Studies from the University of Sydney in 2003.

1996–2005: Tenure at Ten News at Five and publication of The Best of Times, The Worst of Times

Rowe’s media journey started at the Nine Network, where she worked as a receptionist and weather presenter for Prime7. In 1996, she transitioned to Network Ten, taking on the role of news presenter for Ten Sydney’s Ten News at Five, sharing the anchor desk with Ron Wilson. She departed from Network Ten in 2005.

Her first book, The Best of Times, The Worst of Times (Allen & Unwin), was released in October 2005. This memoir, co-authored with her mother, Penelope Rowe, explores their family’s experiences with bipolar disorder.

2006–2008: Hosting Today and transition to Seven Network

In 2006, Rowe joined the Nine Network as co-host of the Today show alongside Karl Stefanovic, succeeding Tracy Grimshaw. Network Ten initiated legal proceedings to prevent her from working with a rival network before June 2006 due to contractual restrictions. However, the Supreme Court dismissed this case on 30 December 2005, clearing the way for her debut on Today on 30 January 2006.

Her appointment drew criticism over perceived excessive on-air laughter, questioned journalistic credentials, and limited rapport with Stefanovic. Additionally, she faced backlash following an on-air incident involving Brigadier Michael Slater, where staged footage was inadvertently revealed during a live segment from Dili, East Timor.

Despite allegations that Rowe would be dismissed, Nine Network CEO Eddie McGuire publicly refuted these claims as a "malicious and unprecedented vilification campaign," although sworn testimony indicated McGuire had threatened to "bone" Rowe during executive discussions.

Rowe exited Nine on 6 May 2007 amid "payment disputes" after returning from maternity leave. Subsequently, she joined the Seven Network as a news presenter for Seven News in Sydney. That year, she also participated in the seventh season of Dancing with the Stars, finishing in seventh place.

2009–2012: Role on Weekend Sunrise

In December 2010, Rowe was appointed as news presenter on Weekend Sunrise, succeeding both Sarah Cumming and Sharyn Ghidella. She undertook various presenting responsibilities across the Seven Network until her departure in 2013.

In 2011, she released Love, Wisdom, Motherhood (Allen & Unwin), a compilation of interviews featuring Australian mothers such as Quentin Bryce, Lisa McCune, Wendy Harmer, and Tina Arena.

In April 2012, Rowe lent her voice as narrator for the stage show Side By Side By Sondheim at Sydney's Theatre Royal, supporting White Ribbon Australia—a charity dedicated to raising awareness about violence against women. This performance was part of an ongoing tour that commenced in 2011 at Sydney's Seymour Centre.

2013–2018: Studio 10

In September 2013, Rowe made her return to Network Ten as a co-host on the newly launched morning program Studio 10, which debuted on 4 November 2013. She joined fellow hosts Ita Buttrose, Sarah Harris, and Joe Hildebrand. Two years later, in 2015, Denise Drysdale became the fifth addition to the presenting team. On 12 October 2016, the program secured the second position in the OzTAM television ratings. Studio 10 was broadcast every weekday from 8:30am until noon on Network Ten.

In January 2015, Rowe was honoured with the title of Member of the Order of Australia for her commitment to mental health advocacy. She expressed feeling "incredibly humbled and just blessed" upon receiving this recognition.

During July 2015, Rowe took on the role of The Empress in Bonnie Lythgoe's theatrical rendition of Aladdin and his Wondrous Lamp, performed at Sydney's State Theatre (Sydney), sharing the stage with Ian Dickson and Beau Ryan.

Rowe released her memoir, Is This My Beautiful Life? through Allen & Unwin in August 2015, providing an intimate look at her professional journey and battles with postnatal depression. The book was praised for its openness and honesty.

In September 2015, Rowe led a Woolworths advertising campaign across television and print media, reflecting on her early employment as a checkout assistant during her school years.

Rowe declared her exit from Studio 10 in March 2018, citing a wish to dedicate more time to her children. Nevertheless, reports suggested that Network Ten had intended to end her contract for over twelve months prior.

Podcast

August 2021 marked the launch of The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show Podcast, produced by LiSTNR. This podcast delves into the unseen difficulties experienced by accomplished individuals navigating everyday challenges.

Pauline Hanson interview

In September 2021, Rowe conducted an interview with Australian senator Pauline Hanson on her podcast, covering Hanson's personal background and political career.

The episode attracted criticism from activists including 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame, who contended that Hanson's platform overshadowed marginalized communities. Initially, Rowe defended the interview as a portrayal of Hanson's endurance through adversity. Subsequently, she removed the episode and issued an apology after receiving feedback from Tame and Indigenous comedian Nakkiah Lui.

Warren Mundine, an Indigenous activist and former Labor Party president turned Liberal Party candidate, condemned Rowe’s removal of the episode as capitulating to "cancel free speech." Media figures such as Tim Blair, Joe Hildebrand, Chris Uhlmann, Paul Barry, Peter van Onselen, and Neil Mitchell also opposed its deletion, advocating for journalistic integrity.

Personal life

Rowe is married to Australian journalist and Nine News Sydney anchor Peter Overton; together they have two children.

After welcoming her first daughter and amid a legal dispute with Nine Network, Rowe endured post-natal depression. She has also shared experiences of undergoing treatment involving antidepressants and psychiatric therapy for clinical depression, anxiety disorder, and panic attacks.

Highlighting the significance of seeking assistance, Rowe states, "To me, asking for help is one of the bravest and best things you can ever do. It saved me." She remains an active mental health advocate and serves as an ambassador and spokesperson for Beyondblue.

External links

• Official website