In the world of journalism, few names shine as brightly as Leigh Sales. With a career spanning decades and a reputation for hard-hitting interviews, she has become one of Australia’s most high-profile and respected journalists. In this article, we’ll delve into the life and career of Leigh Sales, from her education to her books and her podcast with Annabel Crabb.
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Early Life and Education
Leigh Peta Sales was born on May 10, 1973, in Brisbane, Australia. She attended Aspley State High School in her hometown. Her academic journey led her to a Bachelor of Journalism from the Queensland University of Technology, followed by a Master of International Relations from Deakin University. These foundational studies would pave the way for her illustrious career in journalism.
Career
Leigh Sales’ journey in journalism began in 1995 when she joined the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in Brisbane. From there, she embarked on a career that would take her to the heart of significant global events.
She covered the 2000 Summer Olympics and worked as the Washington correspondent for ABC from 2001 to 2005, where she reported on major events like the Iraq War, the 2004 U.S. presidential election, Guantanamo Bay, and Hurricane Katrina. Her career took her further when she served as ABC’s national security correspondent from 2006 to 2008.
From 2008 to 2010, Leigh Sales co-hosted ABC’s Lateline, a late-night national current affairs show with a focus on federal politics and international affairs. Her diverse experience and excellent reporting skills made her a prominent figure in the Australian media landscape.
In December 2010, Sales assumed the anchor position for ABC’s current affairs program, “7.30,” a role she held for over a decade. During this time, she interviewed every living Australian prime minister and conducted conversations with world leaders and celebrities, including the likes of Hillary Clinton, the Dalai Lama, and Paul McCartney.
Leigh Sales’ work in journalism has been widely recognized, and in 2019, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her outstanding services to broadcast journalism. Her deep insights, incisive interviews, and commitment to quality reporting have left an indelible mark on Australian journalism.
Publishing Career
Beyond her career in broadcasting, Leigh Sales is also an accomplished author. Her first book, “Detainee 002: The Case of David Hicks,” published in 2007 by Melbourne University Publishing, delves into David Hicks’ case and offers a comprehensive analysis of the detainee policy during the War on Terror and the Australian government’s involvement.
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Her second book, “On Doubt,” published in 2009, explores the rise of opinion in news reporting and the value of maintaining a skeptical mindset in politics and policy. A second edition, released in 2017, added insights about the Trump presidency and the rise of fake news.
Leigh Sales’ third book, “Any Ordinary Day,” published in October 2018, examines how people adapt to life-changing events. Drawing on her personal experiences and her coverage of transformative news events, Sales provides a deep exploration of resilience and adaptability.
Her writing has also graced the pages of major Australian publications, such as The Monthly, The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and The Bulletin.
About the ABC
Podcast with Annabel Crabb
In November 2014, Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb embarked on a new venture: the “Chat 10 Looks 3” podcast. This podcast, independent of their other media commitments, serves as a platform for discussing books, movies, television, media, and culture. “Chat 10 Looks 3” quickly gained popularity, attracting a community of listeners who shared the hosts’ interests and in-jokes.
The podcast covers a wide range of topics and is recorded every two to three weeks. Its success led to live-streamed shows in Australian capital cities and even a book titled “Well Hello,” published in September 2021. The “Chat 10 Looks 3” community on social media has grown around the podcast, emphasizing friendship, kindness, and a conscious effort to steer clear of political discussions.
Personal Life
Leigh Sales was married to Phil Willis, and they have two sons together. Despite their separation in December 2016 after 20 years of marriage, Sales and Willis have maintained an amicable relationship, especially when it comes to co-parenting their children.
Sales have spoken openly about the challenges of balancing her busy work schedule with family life and how the separation brought about a significant shift in her perspective on life and security. She has expressed her gratitude towards Willis for his role in co-parenting their children, highlighting the importance of their ongoing partnership in raising their family.
Leigh Sales’ career and personal life exemplify her resilience and adaptability, both of which are themes that resonate throughout her work as a journalist and author. Her impact on Australian journalism and media continues to be significant, and her story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring journalists.
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