Premium Content:

‘Media Watch’ host Paul Barry to step down at the end of the year

Journalist Paul Barry has announced he’ll be leaving the ABC’s Media Watch program at the end of the year. Barry has hosted the show that calls Australia media to account for eleven years.

“It’s a great privilege to host Media Watch and I’ve enjoyed it enormously,” Barry said in a statement on Thursday.

- Advertisement -

“But I’ve been in the hot seat for 11 years and it’s time to give someone else a go.”

Barry is the long running program’s longest serving host, following founding presenter Stuart Littlemore who helmed the show for nine years when it first launched in 1989.

Over the years Monica Attard, Liz Jackson, David Marr and Jonathon Holmes have been some of the memorable presenters casting judgement and scorn on wayward journalists in print, online, on radio and television.

The show has often been praised for exposing sub-par standards and misleading reporting, but came into criticism in 2023 over their coverage of transgender issues.

While’s he’s calling it quits at the end of the year, Barry took to social media to note that there’s still a “lot of fun” to be had before he steps down.

The ABC have said a new host will be announced at a later date.

Latest

‘Leg Business’ – hilarious, profound, shocking and unforgettable

This new production at The Blue Room is not to be missed if you love bold and boundary pushing theatre.

Barack Obama speaks out against Trump administration’s media intimidation

The former President says the intimidation of media companies has reached a "dangerous" level.

Donald Trump says he’d have “no problem” with a proposal to remove Pride flags from Washington’s streets

The comments come as the US administration signals a crackdown of press freedom and freedom of speech.

Madonna shares new album will be out in 2026

The singer has indicated it'll be a follow up to 'Confessions on a Dancefloor'

Newsletter

Don't miss

‘Leg Business’ – hilarious, profound, shocking and unforgettable

This new production at The Blue Room is not to be missed if you love bold and boundary pushing theatre.

Barack Obama speaks out against Trump administration’s media intimidation

The former President says the intimidation of media companies has reached a "dangerous" level.

Donald Trump says he’d have “no problem” with a proposal to remove Pride flags from Washington’s streets

The comments come as the US administration signals a crackdown of press freedom and freedom of speech.

Madonna shares new album will be out in 2026

The singer has indicated it'll be a follow up to 'Confessions on a Dancefloor'

Review | ‘Kangaroo’ shows the healing power of animals

The Aussie film is based on a true-life story

‘Leg Business’ – hilarious, profound, shocking and unforgettable

This new production at The Blue Room is not to be missed if you love bold and boundary pushing theatre.

Barack Obama speaks out against Trump administration’s media intimidation

The former President says the intimidation of media companies has reached a "dangerous" level.

Donald Trump says he’d have “no problem” with a proposal to remove Pride flags from Washington’s streets

The comments come as the US administration signals a crackdown of press freedom and freedom of speech.