The ABC is facing a backlash from opposition leader Bill Shorten, MPs and journalists after it reportedly stood down one of its presenters following an on-air TV blooper.

Natasha Exelby was presenting late-night rolling coverage on ABC News 24 just after 10pm on Saturday when she appeared to be caught daydreaming as a story package ended.

She stared at her pen for several seconds before gasping, jumping in surprise and introducing the sport section of the broadcast.

A 12-second clip of the incident was highlighted by the ABC's Media Watch, which went viral on social media.