In a huge win for on-screen representation and cultural diversity in Australian media, two reporters of Asian descent hosted ABC’s flagship morning program ABC Breakfast over the Christmas period. Maybe it’s the holiday spirit in me, but that’s a festive slay if I saw one.
Fauziah Ibrahim and Iskhandar Razak manned the hosting seats this week while regular hosts Michael Rowland and Lisa Millar were away on holiday.
It’s a pretty monumental moment for the Australian broadcast network and Australian broadcast media as a whole. I mean, correct me if I’m wrong but sans SBS, this is the first time I’ve ever seen two hosts of colour or two Asian presenters on a morning show.
Snap! @fauziah_ibrahim and myself preparing for roles inWest Side Story and any future big screen musicals @BreakfastNews pic.twitter.com/oSuMygtLcx
— Iskhandar Razak (@Isk137) December 21, 2021
Hello and good morning from the @BreakfastNews team. It’s Christmas Eve and we are talking food with @aliceinframes plus going to Sydney Fish Markets and more Paul Kelly. But we want to know, what are your Christmas weekend plan? Going out, staying in? We’d love to know. pic.twitter.com/8EauejVZDF
— Iskhandar Razak (@Isk137) December 23, 2021
Cheers! The definition of deliciousness this morning on @BreakfastNews when @aliceinframes dropped in. @fauziah_ibrahim and @SciNate impressed. pic.twitter.com/KIfvcf424T
— Iskhandar Razak (@Isk137) December 23, 2021
Excited to be bringing you @BreakfastNews with this amazing team this week. The always shining @SciNate the sensational @MaddocksThomas and immaculate @fauziah_ibrahim pic.twitter.com/J7TtJhBaNZ
— Iskhandar Razak (@Isk137) December 19, 2021
Speaking on Twitter, Ibrahim, who is the co-host of the program’s weekend edition, explained why the moment was such a big deal for her as well as for cultural diversity and representation.
“Nearly 20 years ago, three executives told me I’d never be on ABC TV because I would not appeal to their audience,” she said.
“This week two experienced journalists of Asian descent headed the ABC’s flagship breakfast program.
“The kebaya I wore is a nod to how far the ABC and its audience have come.”
https://twitter.com/fauziah_ibrahim/status/1474964611455541250
According to Air Asia, a kebaya is a traditional costume found in South East Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Over on Twitter, fellow Asian Australians and their allies have celebrated the moment and Ibrahim’s post, and folks, the tweets might just be even more wholesome than the banter between ABC hosts when they’re on-air.
“I’m 30 and only just realising this is the first time I’ve seen a Kebaya on National TV and not in a doco,” said one user.
“Is this what it feels like when you feel represented for the first time? And it wasn’t till now till you realised how unrepresented your culture was before?”
“Here’s to the national broadcaster looking and sounding like modern Australia,” commented another.
Omg. I’m 30, and only just realising this is the first time I’ve seen a Kebaya on National TV and not in a doco. 😳😳😳 Is this what it feels like when you feel represented for the first time? And it wasn’t til now til you realised how unrepresented your culture was before? 😱😱
— Sare Bear 😷💉 (@sezzzza) December 26, 2021
I noticed and it made me so happy. You were both wonderful
— Ming Long AM (@MingYLong) December 26, 2021
Having worked in a newsroom years ago and being told I was “too ethnic” to appear on air, I know how hard it must have been for you to get here. Your talent and determination must be next level! Thank you for leading the way.❤️😊❤️
— tandigi🍃☀️ (@tandigi) December 26, 2021
Well done Fauziah. I did notice that, and loved that you wore your kebaya. Tetapi, mungkinkah kamu berdua mendapat peluang tersebut kerana minggu ini ramai wartawan biasa sudah bercuti?
— Stella Yee🌻 (@Stella4Menzies) December 26, 2021
Dream team! And Love your work Fauziah. Here’s to the national broadcaster looking and sounding like modern Australia. 💕
— Melissa Maykin (@MelissaMaykin) December 26, 2021
https://twitter.com/eileenchongpoet/status/1474968901603655680
In other historic moments in national TV this year, Channel 10 used the traditional First Nations Peoples’ names for capital cities in their weather report during NAIDOC Week, which is something I’m hoping in 2022 becomes the norm. Love to see some bloody Good News to round out the year.
