Michael Brissenden is permanently replacing Chris Uhlmann as the new host of ABC’s flagship radio program AM.

The double Walkley Award winning journalist will leave his post as ABC Defence Correspondent to assume the new role.

Brissenden has been filling in as host since January, and was announced as permanent host of the current affairs program yesterday.

Michael Brissenden began his career covering Federal Politics for AM in the 1980’s and has since been a foreign correspondent in Washington, Brussels and Moscow and Political Editor for 7:30 before coming full circle.

Chris Uhlmann has taken up the role of ABC Political Editor.