Jennifer Byrne

Television host, journalist, MC, Presenter

Since 2006, Jennifer Byrne has had her dream job as host of the ABC's book review program, First Tuesday Book Club.

She is also the host of the spin-off television series Jennifer Byrne Presents, where a panel of leading authors and expert celebrity guests join Jennifer for in-depth literary discussions.

Prior to becoming well known to audiences as passionate book lover, Jennifer was already a familiar face on television in programs such as 60 Minutes, The 7.30 Report and Lateline.

After a long and successful career interviewing world leaders and reporting on other newsworthy individuals, Jennifer Byrne certainly knows how to think on her feet and manage challenging situations.

Jennifer Byrne has a very warm, engaging personality and this, coupled with her superb hosting and interviewing skills makes her perfectly suited to the role of MC and presenter at corporate functions and events.

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In 1972, aged just 16, Jennifer Byrne became a cadet journalist with The Age in Melbourne. She soon began her stellar career rise in journalism, going on to become a specialist in environment and planning, a feature and editorial writer, and co-editor of the Monthly Review, a literary magazine published by The Age. At 23, she was posted to San Francisco as The Age's West Coast correspondent.

During her time at The Age, Jennifer took three years leave during which she worked on Fleet Street in London, appearing in publications ranging from the Sunday Times to the mass-circulation Weekend Magazine.

In 1981, Jennifer became a founding reporter with Channel Nine's Sunday programme, followed five years later by a move to 60 Minutes. In 1993, she became the morning presenter of ABC Radio's 2BL and in 1995 she was appointed publishing director of Reed Books.

Jennifer continued to work in television as a stand-in presenter for ABC's 7.30 Report and Lateline and in 1999, became both the host and a reporter for Foreign Correspondent. She continued to write features and book reviews and regularly hosted Radio National's Breakfast programme.

In 2003, Jennifer left Foreign Correspondent to join The Bulletin magazine as a senior writer, working on the weekly 'Lunch With' column and going on to win two national magazine awards: 'Columnist of the year' and 'Story of the year'.

In 2005 Jennifer Byrne narrated ABC TV's internationally acclaimed and ground-breaking mockumentary television show We Can Be Heroes, starring Chris Lilley.

And in 2006, Jennifer was thrilled to be offered the role of host for First Tuesday Book Club, ABC TV's first nationally televised book club. Since 2008, Jennifer has also co-hosted the evening drive slot on ABC NewsRadio.