BBC News has appointed the former editor of The Independent as the broadcaster's first media editor.

Amol Rajan said he will explore the "revolution in media" and how social platforms and the role of fake news in elections have changed the landscape.

The journalist, 33, was editor of The Independent when owners Alexander and Evgeny Lebedev announced the daily paper and The Independent On Sunday would drop their print versions.

He will report on all aspects of the media industry, from global mergers to digital advances and trends and their impact on business, politics and culture around the world, the BBC said.

He will continue to present on BBC Radio, having hosted The Big Debate on BBC Asian Network since September.

He also presented an episode of Radio 4's Start The Week earlier this month, and will be presenting Any Answers on the same station on December 10.

James Harding, director of news and current affairs at the BBC, said: "Amol is an exceptional journalist whose achievements as editor of The Independent are widely admired.

"He has a proven record both as a story-getter and as a broadcaster, which he demonstrated repeatedly to the recruitment board.

"At a time when traditional media across print, television, radio and advertising face unprecedented challenges, and new digital disrupters and social media platforms are acquiring immense power, it's essential we tell our audiences the story of the rapidly changing industry and he will bring huge intellectual energy and dynamism to this important role."

Rajan added: "I am thrilled to accept this challenge. The revolution in media is upending politics, business and culture across the globe. From the role of fake news in elections, to the filter bubbles created by Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and the rest, the new news is changing how we live.

"Meanwhile, the worlds of print, television and advertising face daunting financial futures - while the BBC embarks on a whole new chapter of its own following Charter Renewal.

"It's a vast brief but I am relishing the chance to get stuck in - and hugely excited to continue presenting on Asian Network."