Renowned Australian radio broadcaster and author, Jacinta Parsons, known for her deeply authentic storytelling and unique presentation style, recently announced she would be stepping back from her daily afternoon show on ABC Radio Melbourne. The surprising revelation has sparked considerable discussion among her followers and admirers.
A Look Back at Parsons’ Illustrious Career
Parsons’ broadcasting journey started in 2006 at the community station Triple R, eventually transitioning to ABC in 2015 as Double J’s Music Director. The broadcaster has made a lasting impact on Australian media with her distinctive voice and storytelling prowess. In 2018, she co-hosted ABC Radio Melbourne’s Breakfast Show with Sami Shah for two years before taking the reins of the Afternoon program.
In addition to her radio career, Parsons has also distinguished herself as a writer. She is the author of two books – “Unseen,” a memoir about living with Crohn’s disease, and “A Question of Age,” which explores women and aging.
The Decision to Step Down
On July 20, 2023, Parsons made the unexpected announcement on her afternoon show. She revealed she would be stepping away from the program to focus on “other responsibilities outside of ABC.” Her final afternoon show is set to air on Thursday, July 27, 2023.
Expressing her feelings with a touch of melancholy, Parsons explained that recent life changes necessitated her decision to step back from the daily show. However, she also emphasized that she is not completely severing ties with the radio station. She will continue to co-host The Friday Revue alongside Brian Nankervis.
ABC Radio Melbourne’s Response and The Road Ahead
Shelley Hadfield, ABC Radio Melbourne’s Content Director, praised Parsons for her significant contributions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parsons’ empathetic and engaging manner helped provide a lifeline for many listeners during challenging times. Her team remains thankful for her ongoing role on The Friday Revue and values her continued connection to the station.
While Parsons bids adieu to her daily afternoon show, the specifics of her “other responsibilities” remain undisclosed. There is speculation that Parsons may focus more on her writing career given her past successful book publications, but nothing is confirmed yet. Her listeners and fans are eagerly awaiting news about her future endeavors.
Final Thoughts
The end of Parsons’ stint on the Afternoon program marks the conclusion of an era. Her deep connection with her audience and her vibrant spirit will undoubtedly continue to resonate on The Friday Revue. As her broadcasting journey takes a new turn, ABC Radio Melbourne and the entire radio world are excited to see what this accomplished broadcaster will accomplish next.
