Lenore Taylor Resigns as Guardian Australia Editor After Decade of Leadership
Lenore Taylor has officially stepped down from her role as editor-in-chief of Guardian Australia, concluding a remarkable 10-year tenure that saw her become the country's longest-serving editor in this position. Her departure marks the end of an era for the news organisation, which she helped evolve from a fledgling startup into a major media force.
A Transformative Decade at the Helm
Taylor joined Guardian News Media in 2013 as the founding political editor for its Australian venture, a strategic move by then editor-in-chief Katharine Viner. She was promoted to editor-in-chief in 2016, overseeing a period of rapid growth and significant editorial achievement. Under her leadership, Guardian Australia expanded its influence across multiple platforms, including podcasts, video, and social media, while building a national editorial team of 140 staff.
The organisation's success is underscored by its current standing as the fourth most-read news website in Australia, with a unique audience of 8.4 million according to the latest Ipsos Iris rankings. This places it ahead of established mastheads like the Sydney Morning Herald, the Age, and the Australian. Taylor's editorial rigour and political insight were instrumental in driving this growth, earning Guardian Australia 12 Walkley Awards for reporting on critical issues such as the environment, politics, social affairs, Indigenous matters, and commentary.
Tributes and Reflections on a Demanding Role
Katharine Viner, now the Guardian's global editor-in-chief, praised Taylor's immense contribution, stating that her "hard work, commitment, editorial rigour and political insight" helped deliver journalism that sets the national agenda. Viner credited Taylor with making Guardian Australia "a force to be reckoned with, sometimes through sheer strength of will," and noted that the site is well-positioned for its next evolutionary stage.
Reflecting on her decision, Taylor acknowledged that 10 years in such a demanding role is a long time, describing the job as both "exhilarating and all-consuming" yet "utterly exhausting." She shared that early feedback from readers often expressed gratitude for the Guardian's arrival in Australia, whereas now, the common sentiment is that they cannot imagine the country without it. "Neither can I," Taylor added, highlighting the profound impact of her work.
Legacy and Future Steps
Taylor's personal accolades include two Walkley Awards for journalism and two Paul Lyneham awards for excellence in press gallery journalism. She holds the distinction of being Australia's current longest-serving newspaper or news site editor, as well as the longest-serving female lead editor in the country.
Following her resignation, David Munk, the senior managing editor of the Guardian in London and a former deputy editor of Guardian Australia, will serve as acting editor. Viner will oversee an open process to appoint a permanent successor, ensuring a smooth transition for the organisation as it continues to thrive under its reader-supported and advertising-funded model.
