David Marr will take over as host of RN’s Late Night Live until the end of the year, following the retirement of veteran presenter Phillip Adams after 33 years.
Marr is a Walkley Award-winning journalist whose career has included editing The National Times, and reporting at The Bulletin, Fairfax, The Guardian and the ABC, where he hosted Media Watch, was an investigative journalist at Four Corners, and presented arts programs.
Of his new gig, Marr said: “I’m honoured and terrified. It’s going to be a ball.”
RN manager Dina Rosendorff said replacing Adams was never going to be an easy task.
“While we celebrate Phillip’s career it is also exciting to welcome David, who I’m sure will resonate with the most intellectual and loyal radio audience in the country, the Gladdies and Poddies.
“David is the right combination of intellect, curiosity and, of course, a wicked sense of humour. We are all delighted that he’s agreed to take up this role until the end of the year.”
Adams’ last broadcast will be on 27 June. Marr starts with Late Night Live on 15 July.
The announcement of Adams’ replacement comes as Mediaweek spoke to ex-ABC presenter Josh Szeps this month, revealing he didn’t feel comfortable continuing at the broadcaster.
He said: “I’m a misfit. I’m a child of refugees, but I’m a white Australian. I’m a gay guy, but I hate Mardi Gras. I have holocaust surviving grandparents but I’m conflicted about Zionism.
“I am a riddle wrapped in a bloody enigma. If you think that being a team player is the highest virtue, good for you. But don’t pretend to be a journalist. Journalism needs more contrarians, not fewer. More risk takers, not fewer.”
See also: Whatever happened to Josh Szeps? He’s doing very nicely, thank you