Bashir replaces US TV news host

Bashir's interview with Princess Diana got 22m viewers in the UK

UK journalist Martin Bashir is to replace veteran TV host Ted Koppel on ABC News' Nightline show in the US.

Bashir, who is best known for his interviews with Princess Diana and Michael Jackson, is among a trio of presenters to take over the show.

Koppel is to leave the late night news anchor role he has held for 25 years on 22 November.

Bashir, who left ITV1 for ABC's 20/20 show, will co-host with US presenters Cynthia McFadden and Terry Moran.

Executive producer James Goldston said Bashir was brought in because of his interviewing and investigative skills.

Track record

He added that Koppel was "a unique voice in American journalism".

"There's no point in trying to replace him as an individual," he said.

Bashir's documentary was at the heart of the Jackson child abuse case after his footage of the singer's behaviour around children sparked outrage when it was shown around the world.

Bashir refused to answer nearly all the prosecution's questions when he appeared at the subsequent trial in March, citing a California "shield" law intended to allow journalists to protect their sources.

Jackson was later cleared of all charges.

Early success

Bashir's 1995 interview with the Princess of Wales for the BBC's Panorama programme, in which she spoke candidly about the breakdown of her marriage to Prince Charles, brought him to worldwide prominence.

Bashir trailed Michael Jackson for eight months for his documentary

He joined ITV in 1999, where his high-profile interviews included the five men suspected of killing London teenager Stephen Lawrence and disgraced Conservative peer Lord Archer.

Live show Nightline will be given a format change to address multiple issues, having previously concentrated on a single topic.

McFadden has worked at ABC News for 12 years, mostly on Primetime Live.

Moran has been the network's chief White House correspondent since 1999, and anchors the Sunday edition of World News Tonight.