Veteran news presenter Kerry O'Brien has announced he is leaving the ABC's 7.30 Report after 15 years.

O'Brien will finish up on the program in December after 15 "rewarding years as the program's editor and presenter," he said in a statement released on Friday.

"After more than 40 years of reading other people's press releases, it's a very strange feeling having to write one about myself," he said.

"Quite simply it's time for a new chapter.

"I've been in the pressure cooker of daily current affairs hosting and interviewing for 21 years including six years at Lateline and it's been something of a marathon."

O'Brien said he would begin "a new association" with the ABC in the new year, but one that would allow him "to take a breath and consider what else I might want to do with the rest of my life".

"It has been an absolute privilege to work with some of the most talented and dedicated professionals in the business and I leave with confidence that the 7.30 Report will be at the heart of ABC News and Current Affairs coverage for years to come," he said.

"This has been a great year for the program, and it's good to leave on a high note."

Originally published as Kerry O'Brien to quit 7.30 Report