Tuesday night, after Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers presented the budget, many criticized 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson for her heated exchange with him.
‘Too combative,’ ‘rude,’ and ‘aggressive’ were among the comments, with some viewers demanding for Laura Tingle, a seasoned political journalist and occasional 7.30 fill-in, to permanently replace Ferguson.
Since assuming the post of host at 7.30, Ferguson, an award-winning journalist with a history in investigative reporting, has developed something of a hallmark interview style.
On Tuesday night’s presentation, though, many viewers were critical of her rapid-fire style.
“I couldn’t stop watching,” the Twitter user @OneAussieChick remarked.
Sarah Ferguson was HORRIBLE during her interview with Jim Chalmers last night, going at 60 mph with one question after another in an attempt to trap him. What is wrong with everybody?
Another viewer commented that watching Ferguson interrogate Chalmers left her thirsty.
‘I’m so tense listening to Sarah Ferguson,’ she says. I require a brandy. When did the interview transform into a full-on interrogation?’
However, some praised Sarah Ferguson’s frank manner, with @lel0601 tweeting, ‘Great interview by Sarah Ferguson. She is certainly knowledgeable. Jim Chalmers was not bothered by the brisk pace at all. When you are trustworthy like Dr. Jim, it would not.’
When Sales revealed in early 2022 that she would stand down as host of 7.30, Ferguson was the most likely candidate to take her.
Prior to his departure to Ten, several other candidates were apparently in the running, including Stan Grant, David Speers, Tingle, and Hamish Macdonald.
In addition to presenting Four Corners, Ferguson has broadcast a number of documentaries on ABC, including Hitting Home and Revelation, a three-part series on sexual abuse allegations in the Catholic Church.
Earlier this year, she reported for Four Corners on the situation in Ukraine.
While many people have acknowledged Ferguson’s credentials as an exceptional investigative journalist, her signature interview technique has been criticized.
‘I’m disappointed. She is an excellent investigative journalist, but her technique of interviewing on current events leaves much to be desired!’ one viewer tweeted early on Wednesday morning.
Another ABC viewer took exception to the fact that Chalmers was not given the opportunity to respond to Ferguson’s comments.
She commented, “Sarah Ferguson has the annoying habit of making a joke or sarcastic remark as she moves on to the following topic.”
Or at the end of an interview such as tonight’s with Jim Chalmers: “There is still some scar tissue from the previous time Labor was in power, but that’s all we have time for…”
Multiple commenters also advocated for Tingle to assume control.
“Really missed out by making Sarah Ferguson the anchor of #ABC730 as opposed to Laura Tingle…” tweeted @normboy562.
Another commented, “Replace her immediately with Queen Laura!” #budget #Budget2023 #auspol #abc730.’
A spokesperson for the ABC declined to comment on Ferguson’s detractors, but pointed out that Tuesday night’s episode contributed to the ABC’s prime time share increasing from 8.5% in March to 9.2% in April.
The ABC Network’s primetime share was 15%. This was allegedly more than both the March budget night result (14.1%) and the 2022 average weeknight performance (14%).
The average metro audience for the ABC News Special increased by 23,000 viewers compared to the previous budget.