Guardian Australia has quietly shuffled editorial leadership, adding to long-running speculation over editor Lenore Taylor’s succession plans.
Former deputy editor David Munk has moved into a senior managing editor role, with the previous deputy editor position now split between former national news editor Patrick Keneally and former associate editor, audio and visual Gabrielle Jackson.
The changes came without an external announcement, with Guardian Australia’s editorial team page updating to reflect the changes, in addition to some staff changing their LinkedIn profiles. After being contacted by Crikey, a Guardian Australia spokesperson confirmed the changes alongside a press release.
Former opinion editor Bridie Jabour has moved to replace Jackson as the associate editor of audio and visual, while her previous deputy opinion editor, Svetlana Stankovic, moves up to take the mantle of opinion editor.
Former associate editor Julian Drape has been appointed deputy national news editor, while Sam Strutt has been appointed associated news editor (Queensland).
Josephine Tovey appears to be the final change in the reshuffle, with the former deputy news editor now in the role of national news editor.
Taylor has been with Guardian Australia since its inception in 2013, joining as its first political editor, before ascending to editor in May 2016.
She said in the press release she was “proud to appoint these brilliant and dedicated colleagues” to senior positions in the newsroom.
“Their skills and dedication will help ensure Guardian Australia’s ongoing growth and impact,” she said.
It comes after Karen Middleton replaced Katharine Murphy as political editor, a move first reported in Crikey, after Murphy left to join Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office. Middleton joined Guardian Australia from Schwartz Media’s The Saturday Paper, where she was chief political correspondent.
Crikey understands a staff town hall meeting scheduled for Tuesday was cancelled.
Hire Maeve! FDotM needs company.
Michael West
Has Maeve McGregor gone to Michael West?
Chairs on the sinking ship. Near zero credibility, bereft of intelligent thought out positions on most major issues. Ensures what was once called ‘liberal'( meaning non conservative) thought has no visible voice in Australia. A failed project.
Umm, which way do you want it? If losing the Guardian would mean the loss of a voice for ‘Liberal’ thought, then keeping the Guardian equals having that voice. Your message is confused.
Sorry, should have been a small l for liberal.
Not at all confused. Inadequate arguments poorly evidenced, knee jerk reactions on so many issues, all too often mean that more considered positions do not see light of day. They only to be found in paywall accessed areas such as Crikey or with much searching/time in other various social media sites. Simply compare Guardian Aus to Guardian Uk for instance. If you want informed commentary on any issue Guardian Aus last place to look! Local examples compare Guardian Aus titanic to Pearls and Irritations! Fill in list as you long as you like where it is more productive to read!