The Australian appoints Whittaker ERIC

Australia's only national broadsheet has a new editor.

Paul Whittaker will take over as editor-in-chief of The Australian from retiring newsman Chris Mitchell when he steps down on December 11.

"It is a tremendous honour and responsibility to lead The Australian, one of the world's great mastheads," Mr Whittaker said in a statement on Wednesday.

The current editor of The Daily Telegraph has past links with The Australian, where he has been editor, deputy editor and national chief of staff.

His spot at The Daily Telegraph will be filled by Chris Dore, who returns to Sydney from Brisbane where he edits The Courier-Mail.

"There is no more important news brand in NSW than The Daily Telegraph," Mr Dore said.

Both publications are News Corp Australia titles.