Publishing giant News Corp Australia has announced the appointment of Paul Whittaker to the role of CEO for Australian News Channel (ANC).

ANC is the operator of Sky News’ channels Sky News Live, Sky News Weather, Sky News extra, FOX SPORTS News and Your Money.

Whittaker (pictured above), who is currently editor-in-chief of The Australian, replaces Angelos Frangopoulos at ANC, who is leaving to take on the new role of CEO and managing editor Sky News Arabia.

A three-time Walkley Award-winning journalist, Whittaker was editor of The Australian from 2007 to 2011, and editor of The Daily Telegraph for almost five years, before being appointed editor-in-chief of The Australian in 2015.

News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller said Whittaker’s appointment recognises his extensive and proven journalistic leadership, and his intimate understanding of the Australian political, business and evolving media landscape.

“Paul is one of Australia’s most respected journalists and editors, with an extraordinary passion for agenda-setting news and opinion, combined with a strong business acumen,” he said.

“His appointment ensures Sky News has the leadership to grow the audiences and business from the foundations built by Angelos.”

Commenting on his appointment, Whittaker said: “Live news, like live sport, is a huge driver of audiences and future growth for our businesses.

“Sky News has a fantastic following due to a very strong team of political and business journalists that lead and dominate the national news agenda every day.

“In addition, it has the most experienced and opinionated commentators and presenters who fearlessly debate the big issues that get Australia talking.

“The opportunities ahead to continue to build on that success and further develop Sky News, in collaboration with the best journalistic talent from News Corp’s network of news brands, are many and I am determined that we will work together to make the best even better.”

Christopher Dore, current editor of The Daily Telegraph, has been chosen to replace Whittaker as editor-in-chief of The Australian.

As such, Gold Coast Bulletin editor Ben English has been appointed editor of The Daily Telegraph; and Rachel Hancock, deputy editor of The Courier-Mail, has been appointed editor of the Gold Coast Bulletin.