Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing automatic protection switching for media packets, such as ATM cells or IP packets that carry media content, in a device that includes an Ethernet switching fabric are disclosed. According to one method, first and second packet network interfaces of the device are configured to function as working and protection APS interfaces. At least one of a media processing resource and an Ethernet switch fabric of the device are configured to replicate egress media packets from the media processing resource to the working and protection APS interfaces. Egress media packets from the media processing resource are forwarded to the working and protection APS interfaces via the switch fabric. Ingress media packets received at the working APS interface are forwarded to the media processing resource via the Ethernet switch fabric. Media packets received at the protection APS interface are discarded.