February 13, 2023

Respected Perth journalist Julie-Anne Sprague has been named as the new host of 6PR Afternoons, commencing on April 17. With a journalism career spanning more than 20 years, Sprague has appeared on various programs on 6PR and has most recently been the Editor of the Rich List at The Australian Financial Review.  

“I’m looking forward to joining an incredible broadcast team at 6PR,” said Sprague. “As a former WA bureau chief for The Australian Financial Review, I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the issues that matter to the people of Perth, to keep people informed and entertained and to have a bit of a laugh along the way.

“While I’ve spent 20 years in the newspaper game, I have a long association with 6PR. I owe a vote of thanks to the hugely talented and pugnacious Bob Maumill, who almost a decade ago took me under his wing and showed me the broadcast craft he was the master at. More recently I got to have a bit of fun with Millsy when he sat in the Afternoons chair. 

“It’s such a pleasure talking to the program’s listeners and I very much value all their tips and advice, especially as I navigate life as a working mum with a young child.” 

6PR Content Manager, Emily White said: “Julie-anne has been a great contributor to 6PR for many years and we’re excited to welcome her as our new host of the Afternoons program.

“In her reporting career, Julie-anne has covered everything from the WA Mining industry, government policy to food and wine, plus she’s a mad footy fan and loves to have a laugh so our listeners are in for a real treat.

“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Jo McManus who has very kindly stepped in to host Afternoons since Millsy’s move to Breakfast in November. Jo will remain a vital part of 6PR and the Arvos show, filling-in when Julie-anne is on leave.”

Sprague began her media career as a reporter at Business News, later joining The West Australian before her career took her to London as a stock market reporter for The Independent. She joined The Australian Financial Review in 2008 in its Perth bureau.. Since then, Sprague has held diverse roles stretching Perth, Melbourne and Sydney including WA Bureau Chief, Deputy editor of companies and markets and Rich List editor. She has also been an on-air reporter for Financial Review on Sunday for the 9Network, a panellist for ABC Radio, and is the host of the successful How I Made It podcast series.