The broadcaster announced this morning that its state political reporter Stacey Lee and rural broadcaster Nikolai Beilharz would jointly host the key breakfast shift, which has been dominated by Ali Clarke since she joined the ABC in 2016.

Clarke shocked the station by quitting late last year after yet again leading the ratings. She is expected to join FM station Mix, but an official announcement is yet to be made.

Today’s announcement is a return to a past successful formula for the local ABC station. Before Clarke, the duo of Matthew Abraham and David Bevan – both journalists – were a ratings success for many years, with their hard-hitting interview style a hallmark.

Lee has reported and presented for the ABC, Sky News and Channel 7, while Beilharz has a 15-year career in regional journalism and broadcasting with the ABC, including presenting the SA edition of The Country Hour.

The new breakfast team will start on-air on Friday, January 21.

The link to the past was acknowledged by Bevan this morning, who introduced the new breakfast team, noting that his pairing with Matthew Abraham had been announced by their predecessor, Philip Satchell.

Bevan, the mornings presenter, had an overlapping role with Ali Clarke who, while an experienced broadcaster and adept interviewer, was not a journalist. Bevan would join Clarke in the 8.30am slot, joining her on interviews and co-presenting the popular Friday “Spin Cycle” segment.

At this stage, the ABC isn’t planning any changes to its 8.30 approach.

ABC Adelaide local manager Graeme Bennett said the new team would add a “contemporary edge” to the station’s flagship program.

“We know that Adelaide expects us to do the job we’re here for and to do it in a way that reflects our town,” he said.

“Nikolai and Stacey will add positive energy and passion to what we do. They’re experienced and strongly committed to the ABC way and the place we live in.”

Lee said she had “loved reporting every aspect of Adelaide life and it is an honour to be given the opportunity to help the city start its day”.

Beilharz said:  “I can’t wait to get behind the Breakfast mic and to share the stories and conversations that will set the tone for Adelaide’s day. And I can’t think of a better person to share that with than Stacey.”

Bennett said the rest of the line-up of announcers for ABC Radio Adelaide would be unchanged in 2022, apart from veteran field reporter Spence Denny who has retired.