Media Watch: ABC Australia’s Guardian of Media Accountability
In the fast-paced, often chaotic world of Australian journalism, one show stands apart as the quiet conscience of the industry. Since its debut in 1989, ABC Australia’s Media Watch has carved a niche for itself as the nation’s longest-running critique of the media. Armed with wit, a keen eye for detail, and an unwavering commitment to truth, the program has become a cornerstone of Australian broadcasting, holding the powerful to account and illuminating the murky corners of the press.
Media Watch: A New Era with Linton Besser at the Helm
ABC Australia’s Media Watch has long been the country’s most fearless critic of the media, holding journalists and outlets accountable for bias, errors, and ethical breaches. As the program prepares to close the chapter on Paul Barry’s accomplished tenure, it announces a fresh face to lead its storied tradition of media scrutiny: award-winning investigative journalist Linton Besser, who will take over as host from 2025.
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The History of Media Watch
Since its inception in 1989, Media Watch has been an indispensable voice in Australian journalism, exposing unethical practices and amplifying public awareness of media accountability. Conceived by Stuart Littlemore, the program set out to scrutinize the press with sharp wit and unrelenting honesty. Hosts such as Richard Ackland, David Marr, Liz Jackson, and Monica Attard have all shaped the show’s tone over its 35-year history, with Paul Barry becoming one of its most enduring and celebrated presenters.
Media Watch was born out of the need to scrutinize media practices in a landscape increasingly shaped by corporate interests and sensationalism. Created by journalist Stuart Littlemore, who also served as its inaugural host, the program was envisioned as a watchdog over the media itself—an entity free to criticize print, television, and radio outlets without fear or favor.
The show’s mission was simple but ambitious: to expose bias, errors, and unethical behavior in the media, and to foster a better-informed public. Littlemore set the tone with his acerbic style, pulling no punches in dissecting the shortcomings of Australia’s journalistic institutions.
Barry’s final episode, airing on Monday, December 2, 2024, marks the end of a remarkable era. During his tenure, Barry tackled issues ranging from misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic to the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence in journalism.
Investigations That Changed the Narrative
Media Watch is known for its fearless reporting, often shining a light on stories other outlets would rather leave untouched. The program has exposed plagiarism, fabricated stories, and breaches of ethical standards. Notable investigations include:
- The Cash-for-Comment Scandal: In the late 1990s, Media Watch revealed that high-profile radio personalities had been accepting payments to spruik products on air without disclosing their financial ties. The exposé rocked the industry and led to calls for stricter regulation of commercial broadcasting.
- Misinformation in the Pandemic Era: During the COVID-19 crisis, Media Watch became an essential voice, debunking conspiracy theories and highlighting the dangers of sensationalized or inaccurate reporting.
- Coverage of Indigenous Issues: The program has consistently called out one-sided or insensitive portrayals of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the media, advocating for more balanced and respectful reporting.
Critics and Controversies
Despite—or perhaps because of—its relentless scrutiny, Media Watch has not been without its critics. Some accuse the program of harboring a left-leaning bias, while others argue that it is too quick to condemn journalists working under intense pressure. However, Media Watch has consistently defended its role, emphasizing that its loyalty lies not with any political faction but with the truth.
The show itself has not been immune to controversy. In 2000, Media Watch was briefly taken off air after a particularly scathing critique of ABC management, demonstrating the fine line it walks as both an independent voice and a product of the national broadcaster.
Linton Besser: A Respected Investigator
Stepping into this prestigious role is Linton Besser, a journalist whose career exemplifies integrity and impact. With over two decades of investigative reporting experience, Besser has earned four Walkley Awards, two Kennedy Awards, and a George Munster Award. His work has exposed corruption, influenced public policy, and driven systemic change.
Besser’s first show as host will air on Monday, February 3, 2025, and he is keenly aware of the responsibility that comes with the role.
“I’m thrilled and sobered to be given the opportunity to host this important television program and hope to continue its great tradition. The media is big business and hugely influential. Its mission may be to hold others to account — but it too deserves the blowtorch,” said Besser.
“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.”
Besser’s background positions him uniquely for the challenge. From his beginnings as a producer at Nine’s Today program and a reporter in regional newspapers, he moved to the investigative desks of The Sydney Morning Herald and later Four Corners. His groundbreaking work on the infiltration of Crown’s Macau properties by Chinese triads and the mismanagement of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan are just two examples of his ability to uncover critical stories with far-reaching consequences.
A New Team at Media Watch
Joining Besser in shaping Media Watch’s future is Mario Christodoulou, a Gold Walkley-winning investigative reporter, who will step in as the show’s Executive Producer in 2025. Christodoulou’s expertise spans investigative journalism with outlets like Four Corners, Background Briefing, and The Sydney Morning Herald’s Investigations Unit.
Chief Content Officer Chris Oliver-Taylor expressed his confidence in the new leadership:
“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. 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.”
A Rotating Cast of Hosts
Over the decades, Media Watch has been hosted by a series of sharp-tongued and insightful presenters, each bringing their unique approach to the role. Following Littlemore, hosts such as Paul Barry, Jonathan Holmes, and Liz Jackson have steered the program, all with a shared commitment to journalistic integrity.
Paul Barry, who has helmed the show multiple times, is perhaps the most recognizable face of Media Watch. His tenure has been marked by meticulous research and a dry wit that underscores the absurdities of media missteps. Barry’s background as an investigative journalist lends gravitas to the show’s critiques, ensuring its arguments are not only entertaining but also rigorously substantiated.
Media Watch in the Digital Age
As the media landscape evolves, so too has Media Watch. The program now scrutinizes not only traditional outlets but also digital platforms, social media influencers, and even the role of algorithms in shaping public discourse.
In recent years, Media Watch has delved into the dangers of misinformation and disinformation propagated online, holding tech giants like Facebook and Twitter accountable for their role in spreading falsehoods. The show has also explored the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in journalism and the challenges of maintaining press freedom in an era of increasing political polarization.
Why Media Watch Still Matters
In an era where trust in the media is at an all-time low, Media Watch remains a vital institution. Its ability to question, critique, and demand accountability is a reminder of the press’s dual role: not only to inform but also to self-regulate. As Paul Barry once noted, “The media has enormous power. With power comes responsibility, and it’s our job to remind them of that.”
The media has undergone seismic changes since Media Watch first aired, but the need for scrutiny remains urgent. From exposing the cash-for-comment scandal to tackling misinformation in the digital age, the program has served as an essential check on an industry with enormous power.
As Besser steps into the role, the show’s mission is clearer than ever: to shine a light on media practices in an era where trust in journalism is at an all-time low. With his investigative acumen and steadfast commitment to the public interest, Besser is poised to continue the show’s tradition of fearless critique.
“Media Watch stands as Australia’s best defense against bad journalism,” Besser said. “In a world of increasing complexity and rapid technological change, we must demand better from those shaping public discourse.”
Through its unwavering commitment to truth and transparency, Media Watch exemplifies the best of what journalism can be: a tool for holding the powerful to account, whether they are politicians, corporations, or the media itself.
The Future of Media Watch
As new challenges arise—be it the rise of generative AI, the ongoing decline of traditional newsrooms, or the ever-increasing influence of social media—Media Watch’s role will only become more crucial. With its legacy of fearless reporting and incisive commentary, the program stands as a beacon for media accountability in Australia and beyond.
Whether you’re a journalist, a policymaker, or simply a curious viewer, Media Watch offers a masterclass in critical thinking—a weekly reminder to question what you’re told and demand better from those who shape our collective understanding of the world.
As 2025 approaches, audiences can expect Media Watch to remain a crucial force in Australian broadcasting—asking tough questions, exposing wrongdoing, and reminding the media of its most important responsibility: the truth.
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