ABC announces replacement for Paul Barry as Media Watch host
ABC investigative journailst Linton Besser. Photograph Dallas Kilponen
ABC has announced that investigative journalist, Linton Besser, will be the new presenter of its Media Watch program from 2025.
Besser’s new hosting gig will see him fill the seat soon to be left behind by Paul Barry, whom the broadcaster confirmed in June would be leaving the show at the end of the year, with December 2 being his last episode.
The four-time Walkley Award winner said that he is excited at continuing the media commentary and analysis program’s legacy of holding the industry to account.
“I’m thrilled and sobered to be given the opportunity to host this important television program and hope to continue its great tradition,” Besser said.
“The media is big business and hugely influential. Its mission may be to hold others to account – but it too deserves the blowtorch.
“For years, members of the public have described to me a fundamental distrust of the media. They lump us together, the good and the bad.
“Rather than despairing at this uncomfortable reality I’m going to try in my own small way to do something about it. Media Watch remains Australia’s best public guardrail against bad behaviour by the press.”
Linton Besser. (Credit: Dallas Kilponen)
A prolific journalist, Besser’s career has seen him receive a George Munster Award – an award that celebrates independent journalism – and two Kennedy Awards – awards that serve as “a national media awards program”. Besser’s work has instigated “corruption findings and criminal prosecutions” aimed at public officials, such as politicians and business figures, on top of a Royal Commission and public inquiries.
In addition to reporting for news programs, 7.30, Foreign Correspondent, and Four Corners, he has also worked as a Today producer at Nine; a journalist at The Sydney Morning Herald, and a Europe correspondent for the ABC.
“Linton is an award-winning and hugely accomplished journalist who brings decades of experience – and no doubt a wonderful flair and style – to this key position,” Chris Oliver-Taylor, chief content officer, commented.
“Media Watch plays a unique role working on behalf of the public and its mission has remained unchanged during its incredible 35-year history.
“Each week it holds the media industry’s most powerful outlets and personalities to account with uncompromising scrutiny. In an increasingly fragmented and tech-savvy media landscape this has never been more important.”
Award-winning investigative reporter, Mario Christodoulou, is set to join the Media Watch team as an executive producer.
Christodoulou’s involvement in the program coincides with the departure of Tim Lathan, who is stepping down from his role at the end of the year, after joining Media Watch in 2014.
Besser’s first episode as Media Watch host is set for February 3, 2025.
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Changing programs by axing longserving presenters smacks more of ageism to me. ABC has not given them opportunity to adapt.
I am a long term fan of ABC TV and RN and I am very disappointed.