Schwartz Media’s editor-in-chief, Erik Jensen, said: “Karen and Jason are a powerhouse team. For decades, they have been among the best reporters working in the press gallery. They are both tenacious news breakers, with a keen sense for where the real story is. Joining the bureau alongside columnist Paul Bongiorno, they will transform how The Saturday Paper covers federal politics.”

Karen Barlow said: “I have long admired The Saturday Paper’s commitment to fearless, independent journalism and I couldn’t be happier to join a team that is investing in quality journalism and growing its audience at a time of significant structural challenges for the media industry. I can't wait to get into the big stories, take our readers into the room, and lift the lid on the people who hold power in this country.”

Jason Koutsoukis said: “In an era where journalism’s role is more critical than ever, I feel enormous pride in joining The Saturday Paper, one of the most essential and trusted voices in Australian journalism. The opportunity to work alongside Karen Barlow and be a part of a publication that has been at the forefront of speaking truth to power is both an honour and a formidable responsibility. The importance of our mission cannot be overstated.”

Barlow has worked as chief political correspondent at The Canberra Times, political correspondent for SBS World News and as political editor at HuffPost Australia. She spent 21 years at the ABC, working across Lateline, 7.30, AM, PM and The World Today.

Koutsoukis has more than 20 years’ experience in the Canberra press gallery, working as a political reporter for The Age and The Australian Financial Review and as chief political correspondent for The Sunday Age. He was Middle East and South Asia correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age and has also worked for Bloomberg News and Nikkei Asia.

Both will start next month.

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