New line-up announced for ABC 7pm News Western Australia

ABC NEWS has unveiled its new presenting line-up for 7pm News WA, with Pamela Medlen to anchor the flagship bulletin Monday-Thursday and Charlotte Hamlyn Friday-Sunday. The change for the news brand follows long-time presenter James McHale’s announcement that he’s departing the role. His final bulletin will be on Friday 11 September.

Medlen is a multi-platform reporter and producer who was born and raised in rural WA. She joined the ABC in 2006 from a background of radio and suburban newspaper reporting.

“The ABC has a team of talented and hard-working journalists reporting the stories that matter to West Australians and, as weekend newsreader for the past 12 years, I’ve always been very proud to present their work to our audience,” Medlen says.

“I’m really pleased that with my new role I will still be able to get out on the road reporting, meeting people and finding out what’s important to them, because our audiences are at the heart of everything we do at the ABC.”

Hamlyn has been a reporter and presenter with ABC NEWS for more than 10 years and is also a regular voice on ABC Radio Perth. She has covered breaking news events across the state, travelled overseas with Foreign Correspondent to follow the journey of voluntary euthanasia advocate David Goodall and recently led the ABC’s TV coverage of the marathon Claremont serial killings trial In Perth.

Hamlyn says: “I grew up watching the ABC news ‪at 7pm with my family and telling people’s stories is my favourite pastime. To be able to share those stories from behind the newsdesk is a thrill and a great privilege.

“We have a team of incredibly hardworking and talented people in WA. At a time when so much is uncertain, I hope our audiences will continue to see ABC news as a trusted constant in their daily lives.”