Another major shake-up hits ABC

Investigative reporter and former foreign correspondent Linton Besser will replace Media Watch host Paul Barry in the latest major shake-up at the ABC.

Mr Barry announced earlier this year he would be stepping away from the Monday night media program after more than a decade as host.

Mr Besser, a Walkley Award winner, will take over the role, having reported previously for Four Corners, Foreign Correspondent and 7.30.

He said he was “thrilled and sobered” to follow in the footsteps of past Media Watch hosts “Paul Barry, Jon Holmes and David Marr not least among them”.

“I am honoured to be invited to work with the very fine journalists who put this vital program together, and with the new EP Mario Christodoulou, who ranks among the very smartest people I know,” he said.

“Media Watch remains Australia’s best guardrail against poor conduct by the press.

“Too often, members of the public have described their distaste for the media and their distrust of journalistic ethics and practice. In a small way, I hope to be part of the corrective.

“The media is hugely influential and deserves just as much scrutiny as every other centre of power in Australian society.”

Mr Besser joined the ABC in 2013 from the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age.

He joins Gold Walkley winner Mario Christodoulou, who is replacing Tim Latham as executive producer.

Media Watch has had eight hosts since it launched in 1989, including Jonathan Holmes, Richard Ackland, David Marr, Liz Jackson, Monica Attard and Stuart Littlemore.

News of Mr Barry’s replacement comes the same day as popular ABC Radio presenter Sarah Macdonald revealed she had been dumped from the Sydney morning program by the national broadcaster.