Fran Kelly waves goodbye from the Radio National breakfast desk on Thursday.ABC/Steven Siewert
For 17 years Fran Kelly has been so much more to me and my family than the forensic political interviewer,the brilliant broadcaster. Helming theBreakfast program for Radio National,she is the soundtrack of my household in the morning,the voice in my pocket as I wake my girls for school or,in recent times,home school. When she’s absent – even briefly – the hum of our household is altered. It feels wrong. The rhythm is wrong. Her political interviews are compulsory listening,her passion unparalleled,her warmth tangible.
Fran has been a member of my family since my first child was born 12 years ago. As I wrangled small and growing children,changed nappies,made lunches,it was Fran by my side.
So she was my “friend” before I knew her. I was among the thousands of Australians listening not just because I cared deeply about the day’s news,or because I too was a journalist,but because she was relatable and felt like that friend. People have stopped Fran in the street and told her she is like their flatmate,an aunt,a stable and calm voice at times of great turmoil. During the pandemic,while she has broadcasted from home,her dog Buster’s random on-air barks have reminded us that Fran is just like us. All the while,she has been the one constant during a time of change and uncertainty. She has steered us through great trauma.
But I was privileged. I travelled from listener,to fellow broadcaster at Radio National,to co-broadcaster ... andfriend.In 2016,on the eve of a federal election,our bosses at Radio National – who knew we were both political junkies and desperate to make a podcast – suggested we do it together. We had huge professional respect for each other,and we continue our podcast,The Party Room,to this day.
So Fran’s announcement to her listeners on Thursday – that she’ll be finishing her 17 years ofBreakfastbroadcasts in December – is no small thing for all her friends.
Listeners can hear the humanity that Fran’s personal friends know her for. Her care. Her compassion. She cares about her team onBreakfast.She checks in on people. She knows what’s happening with her colleagues,the complexities of our personal lives. After we record our podcast,Fran will often call me to ask if I’m OK,how I’m coping with the kids in lockdown;she will provide guidance on how to be a good mum and a good broadcaster. I am often shocked by her capacity to look beyond herself and to read me based on how I sound.
All success is built on the support of those who love and build us. Behind Fran’s brilliance is her loving and warm partner Marion Frith,who has ensured Fran has been able to get up in the dead of night to be her best self for Australia.
ABC journalist Patricia Karvelas presents The Party Room with Fran Kelly.James Alcock
And Fran has been a powerhouse. Life is messy and noisy. Being a morning broadcaster is a tough gig. The hours,the scrutiny … but she has made it look effortless,this job I know to be relentless. And all the while she’s been asking the questions you are screaming at your radio to be asked. She is rigorous and fearless,but she is also kind.
Partricia Karvelas hostsRN Drive on Radio National and co-hostsThe Party Room podcast with Fran Kelly.