Ellen Fanning

Career

Fanning began working in commercial radio in 1988 right after she graduated with a communications degree at the Queensland University of Technology. She later joined the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, presenting ABC Radio National national current affairs programs PM for two years, AM and occasionally The 7.30 Report on ABC TV.

She was made producer for the ABC's late night current affairs program, Lateline. In 1997, she was appointed North America correspondent for ABC, based in Washington, D.C.

In 2000, Fanning moved to the Nine Network, working first as a reporter with 60 Minutes. Later she was a reporter for A Current Affair, before becoming a substitute presenter for A Current Affair and Today. In 2005, she became presenter of Nightline, replacing Helen Kapalos.

Fanning wrote and directed a six-part documentary series titled Fine Line for SBS TV in 2002. The series dealt with the ethical questions of journalism.

In 2006, Fanning became co-host of Sunday with Ross Greenwood, who was then replaced by Ray Martin in 2007. Martin left the Nine Network in 2008 leaving Fanning as the solo host of the program, alongside Michael Usher presenting the news and Stephanie Brantz presenting the latest sports news.

Fanning continued with this role until the axing of Sunday in August 2008. Fanning is no longer with the Nine Network, but has continued to report for 60 Minutes.

In 2013, Fanning hosted a 20 episode series of the Observer Effect on SBS TV, and from September 2014 became the presenter of ABC FM Radio's Classic Breakfast, having replaced Emma Ayres.

Since 2017 she is the host of The Drum.

Personal life

Fanning was born in Brisbane, Queensland. She is married with two sons.