Paul Barry announces he will be leaving Media Watch after 11 years

After hosting the program for 11 years, the host of Media Watch has revealed he will be leaving the show.

Host of ABC’s Media Watch Paul Barry has revealed he will leave the show this year.

The 72-year-old has hosted the media commentary show for the past 11 years and will host his final episode in December.

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

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

Host of ABC’s Media Watch Paul Barry has revealed he will leave the show this year. Picture: Nowytarger Renee

He said he was “hanging up the mic” at the end of the year, but there was still “lots of fun” to be had before then.

“Thanks to all our viewers. I’ll be with you until December. And I’m sure the program will go on to great things without me.”

Mr Barry was initially an investigative reporter before joining Media Watch in 2000.

He officially began his hosting stint in 2013 and was the show’s longest-running host.

Media Watch critiques the media landscape across Australia in its 15-minute weekly slot on Monday evenings, alongside shorter videos posted under Media Bites online and on social media.

Mr Barry has rocked the boat of the Australian media landscape due to his confronting approach.

Not even the ABC was safe from his analysis, with Mr Barry often the network’s harshest critic.

A new host will be announced by the ABC later this year.

Originally published as Paul Barry announces he will be leaving Media Watch after 11 years