One of the defining faces of the Special Broadcasting Service, Lee Lin Chin, is departing the network after nearly 30 years behind the news desk.
Known for her authoritative presenting style and fashionable flair, she has been a mainstay for viewers wanting to learn more about the world.
A Gold Logie nominee, Chin has told some of the world’s biggest stories including the Port Arthur massacre, the September 11 attacks and the death of Nelson Mandela.
Source: SBS News
“Having spent the bulk of my professional life at SBS, this isn't by any means an easy decision," Chin said.
"I shall be leaving a happy and satisfying role as a newsreader. My friends and colleagues for whom I have fervent respect will be deeply missed."
Decades at SBS
Born in Jakarta, Chin was raised in Singapore and began at SBS as a translator for Chinese-language films in 1980.
She had a stint in radio at the ABC, before finding her groove presenting the SBS World News weekend bulletin in 1988. For three decades, Lee Lin has been a welcome fixture of Australians' Saturday and Sunday evenings and gained a reputation for her iconic voice.
In her early radio days. Source: Supplied
Her vast presenting techniques were utilised at SBS throughout the years including being Australia’s official Eurovision Song Contest spokesperson in 2015.
Many viewers tuned in to see her sartorial choices, with more than 48,000 Facebook users following a page dedicated to “Lee Lin Chin’s Asymmetrical Outfits.”
Source: SBS News
Most recently Chin connected with younger viewers in a series of skits on SBS Viceland’s The Feed. The self-parodying appearances featured a battle through a knife fight in one episode and swigging her beer with other television presenters the next.
SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid said: “SBS would like to pay tribute to Lee Lin and thank her for her significant contribution to SBS, but also to the wider Australian media industry.
"Lee Lin is truly one of a kind and we will miss her colourful personality gracing our screens on the weekend. Lee Lin embodies everything that SBS stands for and will always be part of the SBS family.
"We respect her decision to embrace new projects and wish her all the very best for the future."
Anton Enus returns
Anton Enus will be returning to SBS World News to present the bulletin on Friday and Saturday evenings. Enus returns after an extended break that saw him receive treatment for bowel cancer.
In his time away from SBS, he has raised awareness for the disease as a Bowel Cancer Australia Ambassador and has also been a presenter at various events including the Sydney Writers’ Festival.
Enus said: “I’d like to pay tribute to Lee Lin, whom I’ve worked with for nearly 20 years ... She’s a class act.”
“I can’t wait to get back into the studio alongside the best news team in the business."
Janice Petersen will present the bulletin Sunday to Thursday.
Watch Lee Lin Chin’s last SBS World News bulletin on Sunday 29 July at 6.30pm on SBS.
