The Executive Chairman of News Corp Australasia, Michael Miller, has announced Michelle Gunn has been appointed editor-in-chief of The Australian.
That and other editorial appointments announced for the national newsbrand follow the sudden departure of former editor-in-chief Christopher Dore. At the time Dore commented he departed because of “health issues”. The Sydney Morning Herald later reported Dore left his position at the company after an indiscretion at an event in California.
Gunn, who will report to Miller, has been the editor of The Australian since May 2020 and before that, was the editor of The Weekend Australian for eight years.
Paul Whittaker
Paul Whittaker back at his former newspaper
Sky News Australia chief executive officer Paul Whittaker will take on an additional role as chair of a new editorial board being established for The Australian. News Corp said the new board will be an active forum for Whittaker and The Australian’s leadership team to guide coverage and develop editorial direction and opportunities.
Additional News Corp appointments
Kelvin Healey, editor of The Saturday Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail in Brisbane, will replace Gunn as editor of The Australian.
Edwina McCann will expand her role as publisher for News Corp’s Prestige Network and Conde Nast titles in Australia to include editorial directorship of The Australian’s prestige publications, The Weekend Australian Magazine, Wish, Mansion, Travel and Luxury and The List magazines.
New role for Mick Carroll
Mick Carroll, News Corp’s national weekend editor and editor of The Saturday and Sunday Telegraphs, will be the new chair of the News Corp Editorial Board which oversees strategic decisions for the broader group of News Corp titles in Australia.
The new roles for Gunn, Whittaker, Healey, McCann and Carroll are effective from January 9. Healey and McCann, in their roles at The Australian, will report to Gunn. Carroll will continue to report to Michael Miller.
Michelle Gunn
Michelle Gunn leading brand into 60th year
Miller commented: “Michelle is an outstanding journalist and editor. Her leadership and deep understanding of The Australian’s relationship with its audience will ensure its trusted and news-breaking journalism sets the national news agenda. Her editorship has seen The Australian achieve record readership and she will drive its growth and digital success as it approaches its 60th year.
“I am also grateful to Paul Whittaker for agreeing to chair The Australian’s new Editorial Board. As a previous award-winning editor-in-chief and editor of The Australian and editor of The Daily Telegraph for almost 12 years, his journalistic experience is immense.
“The Australian’s new Editorial Board will provide input and feedback on enhancements for the masthead’s editorial direction and commitment to first-class news coverage and commentary. Ms Gunn and Mr Whittaker and a small group of senior leaders will sit on the board.”
Michelle Gunn said: “I am honoured to be appointed editor-of-chief. The Australian has an important duty to lead national debates and forge new paths for its longstanding commitment to journalism of the highest quality and I look forward to embracing these challenges.
“I am delighted that Paul Whittaker, a friend and colleague for 20 years, has agreed to chair The Australian’s new Editorial Board which will provide guidance to our coverage, collaboration and strategic decisions.”
Paul Whittaker said: “Michelle and I share a deep affection for The Australian and are equally passionate in our ambition to enhance its position as one of the world’s great media titles. I am pleased to have been asked to act as the first chair of its new Editorial Board. In recent times we have developed strong collaboration between The Australian and Sky News Australia in talent sharing and groundbreaking content creation that has brought record readership and viewership.”
Kelvin Healey has been editor of The Sunday Mail since June 2018 and more recently, also editor of The Saturday Courier-Mail. Previously, he was deputy editor of The Courier-Mail and The Daily Telegraph. Under his editorship, The Saturday Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail won News Corp Australia’s 2021 News Brand of the Year award.
“Kelvin is a dynamic editor with a proven record for news breaking and a distinctive flair for the presentation of issues. He led News Corp’s federal election coverage and will bring fresh ideas and energy that will stand him in good stead as editor working closely with Michelle,” Miller said.
Kelvin Healey
Expanded role for Edwina McCann
In her leadership roles at News’ Prestige Network and Vogue Australia, McCann has been working closely with The Australian for some time.
“Edwina has provided visionary leadership at Vogue Australia to demonstrate how prestige and lifestyle brands can adapt and reposition themselves to inform and excite audiences and clients. Her experience and vision will help The Australian take its already distinguished prestige titles to new levels,” Miller said.
Edwina McCann
Mick Carroll to chair national editorial board
Carroll has been national weekend editor since May 2020 with oversight of lifestyle, entertainment, magazine, news specials and investigations to drive weekend audiences and subscriptions. He has been editor of The Sunday Telegraph since 2012 and before that, was deputy editor of The Daily Telegraph and editor of the Townsville Bulletin.
“Mick is an acknowledged editorial leader with vast experience across regional and national publishing and a commitment to journalism that reflects our audiences’ passions and concerns. I look forward to his contribution as chair of News Corp’s Editorial Board as we intensify our focus on meeting the information needs of Australian families,” Miller said.