Written by 
Fran Kelly will return to daily broadcasting with a new program called The Radio National Hour, while Linton Besser will take up the mantle as Media Watch host as part of an ABC staff shake-up in 2025.
Kelly will host a new program at 6pm every day on Radio National (RN) next year.
The former ABC News European correspondent and 7.30 political editor was the host of RN’s Breakfast program for 17 years before stepping away from the microphone in 2021.
She was believed to be the longest-serving national breakfast radio host on air during her time.
It comes after the broadcaster recently announced award-winning journalist Sally Sara would replace Patricia Karvelas as host of RN Breakfast in 2025.
Karvelas spent 10 years with RN and is moving to a cross-platform role, including presenting Q+A and Afternoon Briefing.
The changes are all part of the broadcaster’s efforts to grow audiences for RN
ABC chair Kim Williams earlier this year said a renewed Radio National would be one of his priorities.
“We deserve a great national audio service, one that demonstrates the power of the spoken word, the importance of clear thinking, and the sublime force of a wide range of Australian intellects,” he said.
“In this world of contested ‘truths’ and aggressive opinion, such a trusted source of analysis and pluralist deep thinking is sorely needed.”
New Media Watch host revealed
Investigative reporter and former foreign correspondent Linton Besser will be replacing Paul Barry as the host of Media Watch
Earlier this year, Barry announced he would be stepping away from the program after more than a decade as the show’s longest-serving host.
Besser has reported around the world for Four Corners, Foreign Correspondent and 7.30.
Linton Besser reported around the world for Four Corners, Foreign Correspondent and 7.30.
He said he was excited to take on the new role, which he hoped would help mend distrust in the media.
“I am thrilled, and sobered, to be a part of this fine tradition, and to follow in the footsteps of people I so admire: Paul Barry, Jon Holmes and David Marr not least among them,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
Sydney Morning’s host to change
Sydney Morning’s presenter Sarah Macdonald announced her contract will not be renewed in 2025.
Macdonald told her listeners on Thursday morning she will not be on the radio with them next year.
“The ABC has decided not to renew my contract here at Mornings,” she said.
“I have absolutely loved sharing the mornings with you and the evenings and the wee small hours of Nightlife.
“702 listeners, you just rock, you are so wise, you are so savvy, you are so thoughtful, you are so interesting.”
Barry said on social media platform X he could not believe Macdonald would not be returning.
Director of audio Ben Latimer wished Macdonald “all the best”.
“Sarah is an incredible broadcaster who has built a strong rapport with the ABC Radio Sydney audience over the last two years in Mornings and we wish her all the best,” Latimer said.
“We will be making further announcements about our line ups in the coming days.”