Kumi Taguchi has been announced as the new host of SBS’s flagship current affairs program, Insight. She has joined the program following Jenny Brockie’s decision to step down. Brockie hosted the award winning show for nearly two decades.
“I am beyond excited to be joining SBS for my next adventure. To be entrusted with a high-profile program such as Insight, with such a strong legacy of authentic storytelling, is an absolute honour. Opportunities like this come around once in a career, if you’re lucky,” Taguchi said.
Taguchi’s connection to SBS dates back to when she was a child.
“One of the strongest memories of my late father is sitting with him at his small kitchen table in Melbourne, watching the Japanese news on SBS. He would switch it on at the same time every day and I’m sure it made him feel connected to his homeland. We would sip tea and eat rice crackers and I would be reminded, too, of my heritage.”
Taguchi has more than 20 years’ experience in the media industry in Australia and Hong Kong. She initially trained as a classical violinist and in her first job she picked up dry-cleaning, organised couriers and transcribed the answering machine. Since then, Taguchi has worked across radio, television, current affairs, long-form documentary and most recently as the host of ABC Compass and as a presenter and reporter for the ABC News Channel.
She comes to us with a wealth of experience and a true understanding of the value of storytelling…
“No matter how much our lives change, how much technology advances, how much we shift direction, one thing always stays the same: the power of our stories. True compassion and understanding comes from hearing about the experiences of others and seeing how they navigate through life,” she explained.
Taguchi, who is always up for an adventure, has reported live from the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, taking five days to sail the 630 nautical miles on a 70-foot yacht. A keen sportswoman, Kumi has also run two half marathons, and a marathon: the latter on sand dunes in the desert, with Uluru as the backdrop.
SBS Director of News and Current Affairs, Mandi Wicks, said SBS is thrilled to announce Taguchi as the new Insight host.
“She comes to us with a wealth of experience and a true understanding of the value of storytelling. SBS news and current affairs is committed to seeking out the communities and voices often overlooked by others and Kumi has a deep appreciation and personal connection to this ambition.”
Insight will return with new episodes on Tuesday nights in 2021, along with international current affairs program, Dateline, showcasing stories and characters from around the world, and the unique mix of news, investigations, interviews and satire served up on The Feed.
