This comes after current host Leigh Sales announced in February she would step down after almost 12 years as anchor. She will take up a new role with the ABC.

Ms Ferguson will join chief political correspondent Laura Tingle to deliver the program.

"These are challenging times nationally and internationally, scrutiny of power is at a premium, but I have also witnessed in the US the destructive force of rancorous political division," Ms Ferguson said.

"On a brighter note, I expect to enjoy the role hugely, interviewing is one of the true thrills of journalism. Working in collaboration with the inimitable Laura Tingle is irresistible.

"On Leigh's departure, I'd like to say that her diligence and skill have made an enormous contribution to Australian journalism.

"What you don't see in her calm studio presence is the huge amount of work she does in preparation. It will be a pleasure to take over from such a pro."

Ms Ferguson began her journalism career in the UK and France. After moving to Australia she worked for SBS programs Dateline and Insight as a producer and reporter and spent four years on Nine Network's Sunday program.

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She joined the ABC in 2008 to work on Four Corners and has won five Walkley Awards, including the 2011 Gold Walkley for "A Bloody Business", an expose of Australia's live cattle trade.

Among her other awards are five Logies for Most Outstanding Public Affairs Report, the Melbourne Press Club Gold Quill, two Australian Academy of Cinema and Television awards for documentary, the Asian Academy of Creative Arts award for documentary and the Queensland Premier's Literary Award.

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