Julie McCrossin Articles/Reviews

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Wake up to Julie - and possibly Virginia

By Sue Javes Radio Reporter
August 12, 2005





Julie McCrossin … warmth, humour and extensive interviewing experience.
Photo: Danielle Smith



The Radio National broadcaster, comedian and television personality Julie McCrossin has been chosen by 702 ABC Sydney to replace popular host Angela Catterns in the breakfast shift.

McCrossin and ABC radio management finalised details of the contract yesterday and are expected to announce today that she will start in two weeks.

Management is also close to formalising an arrangement with the Melbourne ABC drive presenter Virginia Trioli to take over the morning slot from Sally Loane, who signs off today after 5½ years in the shift.

One sticking point between Trioli and 702 management yesterday was the starting time for her program. It is believed Trioli would prefer an 8.30am start, similar to 774 Melbourne radio, for half an hour of news-breaking interviews but 702 management wants her to start at 9am.

Trioli is not expected to be on air for a few weeks, with the slot filled by the part-time ABC presenter Kath McKenzie.

McCrossin's appointment follows weeks of speculation and on-air auditions by ABC broadcasters interested in the position, including James Valentine, Simon Marnie and Debbie Spillane.

The position became vacant in June when Catterns resigned to present a rival breakfast show on the new FM station, vega 953.
McCrossin, 50, has a similar warmth and humour to Catterns. She also has extensive interviewing experience from her five years as presenter of Radio National's morning program Life Matters.

McCrossin started her career in children's theatre. Her first broadcasting role was on Gaywaves for community station 2SER, but she is better known for appearing on the TV show Good News Week.

She lives with long-term partner, psychologist Melissa Gibson, and her two step-children - in Annandale during the week and in Springwood on weekends.

McCrossin says she feels a special bond with Catterns because they ran the chocolate wheel together at the Annandale North public school fete for years.

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Own views a no-no for McCrossin
By Rachel Browne
August 14, 2005
The Sun-Herald

ABC 702's new star recruit Julie McCrossin has promised listeners she will leave her personal views at the studio door, including her support for same-sex marriage.

McCrossin, who will take over the breakfast slot on 702 later this month, has revealed she plans to marry her partner of eight years, psychologist Melissa Gibson, in "a civil ceremony and in a church" when she is able to do so.

But ABC listeners will not be hearing of any wedding plans over their breakfast cereal.

"I consider myself an old-fashioned broadcaster," McCrossin said. "I don't seek to push a particular opinion or political agenda. I strive for openness and diversity on all issues on air whether I agree with a particular standpoint or not. It's not my inclination to force my views upon other people."

Friends of the ABC NSW president Gary Cook hailed McCrossin's elevation to the star role, saying he hoped her sexual orientation would not become an issue for the ABC's more conservative listeners.

"Her personal preferences in life have nothing to do with her ability as a broadcaster," he said. "However, it's possible some listeners will be concerned about that and if so that's a pity because it's a very short-sighted view."

McCrossin did not attend yesterday's rallies to mark the first anniversary of the Federal Government's ban on same-sex marriage.

The issue has split the gay community, with Australian Marriage Equality and Community Action Against Homophobia organising one rally in Hyde Park and the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby holding a breakaway event in Victoria Park, Chippendale.

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McCrossin leaves ABC breakfast
From: AAP
October 05, 2005

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117...-29277,00.html

SYDNEY ABC radio host Julie McCrossin has resigned just one month after taking on the high profile breakfast shift.

McCrossin, selected to replace the popular Angela Catterns in the ABC 702 breakfast timeslot after the public broadcaster spent weeks trialling contenders for the position, cited health issues for her departure.

"Julie feels that she is unable to continue to present the program," the ABC said in a brief statement.

"She has found herself unable to cope with the early hours required and this has affected her health."

Prior to taking on the position, McCrossin hosted ABC Radio National's Life Matters program.

She started working on the new program on September 5 but has been off sick this week.

Simon Marnie has been filling in and will continue to present 702's breakfast program until October 14, when Sarah McDonald will take over for the rest of the programming year.

McCrossin's decision to quit is a major blow for ABC radio in Sydney.

Morning host Sally Loane also quit recently, and will be replaced on October 24 by Virginia Trioli.