When the first issue of the Herald hit the streets in 1831, the site of the Sydney Opera House was occupied by a squat stone fort, storing some of the colony’s most powerful guns and weaponry.
On Thursday night, almost two centuries later, the city’s two landmarks came together to mark 190 years of The Sydney Morning Herald’s continuous publication.
Chief digital and publishing officer Chris Janz and SMH editor Lisa Davies. Credit: Edwina Pickles
And instead of a horse and carriage carrying Major General Sir Ralph Darling, the NSW governor in 1831, a crowd including Premier Gladys Berejiklian, former prime minister John Howard and Nine Entertainment Co chairman Peter Costello arrived via the Opera House’s paved concrete forecourt and elaborate OH&S approved turning circle.
In an address to the crowd, the Herald’s editor Lisa Davies reflected on the paper’s role in the city now defined internationally by the Opera House.
“I’ve been asked a few times this week why we are celebrating 190 years - and my first response has been, because nobody else can,” she said.
“Our rich history in this city, our contribution to the national debate over almost two centuries and our unwavering commitment to pursuing the stories that matter to our readers is undoubtedly worth celebrating.”
Former prime minister John Howard and NRL chief executive Andrew AbdoCredit: Edwina Pickles
Too true. Former lord mayor Lucy Turnbull led a list of Sydney’s luminaries at the party, where she also addressed the crowd and praised the Herald for resilience throughout a turbulent period.
Nine’s chief publishing and digital officer Chris Janz said he started reading the Herald as a primary school student.
“At a time when many newsrooms are struggling, the Herald is not just surviving, it’s thriving,” he said, noting the audience is “almost double” that of any other Australian masthead.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian at the Sydney Morning Herald’s 190th birthday celebration. Credit: Edwina Pickles
And in a notable and possible history-making event, News Corp Australia top brass, including News Corp co-chairman Lachlan Murdoch - in sneakers - and News Corp Australia executive chairman Michael Miller crossed enemy lines to make an appearance at the party. Other senior News Corp executives included The Australian’s chief executive Nicholas Gray and group corporate affairs boss Campbell Reid.
Sydney Morning Herald editor Lisa Davies, Nine Entertainment Co chairman Peter Costello and News Corp Australia co-chairman Lachlan Murdoch. Credit: Edwina Pickles
The media organisations have, at points in history, been fierce if not violent opponents, but have become more collegiate given the digital threat towering over the modern media landscape.
Other notables in the room included NSW Police commissioner Mick Fuller, fund manager Catherine Allfrey and NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo. Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys was picked up by Herald sports editor Ian Fuge within a minute of getting in the door, and then greeted by chairman Costello.
Across the room, chef Matt Moran appeared to be enjoying conversation with Nine’s newly minted chief executive Mike Sneesby. Can we expect some more lifestyle content, perhaps?
Nine Entertainment Co chief executive Mike Sneesby with chef Matt Moran.Credit: Edwina Pickles
PwC’s outgoing Sydney managing partner Joseph Carrozzi said he was pleased to celebrate the milestone even though he hasn’t always agreed with the view of the Herald. ”It’s a cornerstone of our society,” he said of the paper he first started reading as a primary school student in the western Sydney’s suburb of Fairfield.
“I started reading for the sport and now I read it all,” he said.