Readers respond to supercharged storytelling says The Australian’s editor-in-chief Michelle Gunn

On the 60th anniversary of The Australian, editor-in-chief Michelle Gunn says supercharged storytelling and a robust contest of ideas lie ahead for the masthead.

The Australian's editor Kelvin Healey, editor-in-chief Michelle Gunn and News Corp executive chairman Michael Miller at NewsCorp in Sydney. Picture: John Feder

On the 60th anniversary of The Australian, editor-in-chief Michelle Gunn says the masthead’s best years are ahead of it.

Having chronicled The Australian’s six-decade history in the pages of the newspaper and online over the past two months, Gunn said showcasing the role that the masthead had “played in the life of the nation” had been embraced by our “loyal and passionate” readers.

“The celebration has also served to reinforce that the masthead remains absolutely true to the mission statement written by Rupert in the very first edition,” Gunn said.

“But we were determined that this birthday celebration would focus on the future as much as the past.

“We have published excellent essays in the past few days by leading Australians on the attributes and values needed to drive the country forward – on the national trait of resilience, on having the courage to speak out, the importance of freedom of expression, respect for liberal democratic values, and the power of a genuine contest of ideas.

“Serious consideration of these things is central to who we are.”

Gunn said she was confident that The Australian’s best years were yet to come.

“The digital age has been challenging to journalism, of course, but it has also supercharged and enriched our storytelling,” she said.

“We have more readers than ever before, we are profitable, we break more stories than our competitors by a considerable margin every day, and we are among the most trusted sources of news and analysis.

“I say, bring on the next 60 years.”

News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller described The Australian as “world-class”.

“I speak to other news publishers from around the globe quite frequently, and they tell me that they see The Australian as a benchmark for what it takes to be a world-class newspaper,” he said.

“And it gets better every year.”

Mr Miller said The Australian had, for the past 60 years, stayed true to its guiding principles, which were spelled out in the very first edition of the newspaper on July 15, 1964.

“When I look at the first ever editorial of The Australian, the final words were that we are ‘a company for progress’.

“There are uncomfortable truths that need to be talked about, and that’s not always popular. The Australian has always had the courage to tell the stories that – while uncomfortable – needed to be told. And ultimately, the telling of those stories has led to a better Australia.”

Asked about the challenges facing The Australian and the wider news media industry in coming years, Mr Miller said capitalising on “points of difference” was the key to success.

“The demand for quality journalism is only increasing and that’s actually underscored by the amount of poor quality journalism that is currently out there,” he said.

“Quality journalism is trusted, considered and responsible. We’ve seen from social media that anyone can put an opinion out there, but the demand for opinion coupled with analysis and debate through news is the basis for growth.

“At the end of the day, technology will never replace inquisitive thinking and great interpretation and analysis.”

The Australian’s managing director and publisher, Nicholas Gray, said the masthead was in a position of strength at a time when the wider media industry was facing significant challenges.

“The Australian at 60 now has the majority of its audience and revenue in digital, which places us well for the next decade of significant change,” Mr Gray said.

“Audience habits are rapidly evolving, and wherever audiences go next The Australian is determined to continue to serve its existing subscribers and attract new ones.

“We will do this by breaking and covering stories of national significance and hosting the debate on the issues that matter most to our nation’s future and our place in the world.”