Lenore Taylor, the esteemed editor of Guardian Australia, has announced her resignation after nearly a decade at the helm. Her decision, communicated to staff via email on Tuesday, marks the end of an era for the publication. Taylor, who has been a pivotal figure since the Guardian’s Australian inception in 2013, expressed contentment with her choice to step down, citing the demanding nature of the role.
The announcement comes as Katharine Viner, the global editor-in-chief of the Guardian, arrives in Sydney to oversee Taylor’s final day in the newsroom on Wednesday. This development sets the stage for an internal and external race to fill the prestigious editorship.
Legacy of Leadership
Under Taylor’s leadership, Guardian Australia has distinguished itself as a formidable force in the media landscape. Her tenure saw the publication thrive amidst a challenging environment for online media, where other contemporaries like Vice and BuzzFeed News struggled to maintain their footing. Taylor’s strategic implementation of a soft paywall model, which relies on donations, has been instrumental in sustaining the publication’s free content ethos.
“I’ve been thinking about it for some time, but there’s always been some new challenge or story or reason to defer,” Taylor stated. “But after 10 years, the job is exhausting. It doesn’t leave a lot of time to care for yourself or those you love.”
Her decision to step down is underscored by her confidence in the team she leaves behind, describing them as “high-calibre potential successors.” Taylor’s departure signifies a shift, as she was among the original staff who launched the Guardian’s Australian arm.
Search for a Successor
As the Guardian begins its search for Taylor’s successor, speculation abounds regarding potential candidates. David Munk, currently the senior managing editor in London, will return to Australia as acting editor. Munk, who has prior experience in the Sydney newsroom, is among the names being considered for the permanent role.
Other potential candidates include the Guardian’s Australian deputy editors Gabrielle Jackson and Patrick Keneally, as well as Bridie Jabour, head of multimedia, who is currently on a two-year secondment in London. Former deputy editor Lee Glendinning, now with the ABC, is also in the mix.
“Her hard work, commitment, editorial rigour and political insight have helped deliver journalism that sets the national agenda,” Viner praised in her email to staff.
Challenges and Achievements
Taylor’s tenure was not without its challenges. Last year, she navigated the fallout from high staff turnover and bullying complaints within the Canberra bureau, which led to an HR investigation. Despite these hurdles, her leadership has been marked by significant achievements, including winning a Walkley Award as a political reporter in 2014.
Earlier in her career, Taylor served as the chief political correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald, a role that laid the groundwork for her subsequent success at the Guardian. Her departure, though anticipated due to the length of her tenure, has nonetheless been met with a sense of urgency given the swift transition.
Looking Ahead
As Taylor prepares to take several months off, the Guardian faces the task of maintaining its editorial momentum during this transitional period. The selection of a new editor will be crucial in determining the future direction of the publication.
The move represents a significant moment for Guardian Australia, as it seeks to build on Taylor’s legacy while adapting to the evolving media landscape. The coming weeks will be pivotal as the publication identifies a leader capable of steering it through the next chapter.
