David Munk has been appointed as the new editor of Guardian Australia, stepping up from his role as deputy editor and international news editor for the Asia-Pacific region. The announcement was made by Guardian News and Media.
Munk's Background and Experience
Munk spent five years as international news editor in Australia and another five years as deputy editor under Lenore Taylor, who resigned in February after a decade of leadership. He has also held senior positions at the Guardian in the United Kingdom, including deputy foreign editor and head of world news at the UK Daily and Sunday Telegraph.
Success Under Taylor and Munk
Under the leadership of Taylor and Munk, Guardian Australia established itself as a new progressive voice in the media landscape. The publication broke new ground in political, environmental, and Indigenous reporting, winning multiple industry awards. In the latest Ipsos Iris news ranking, Guardian Australia was the fourth most-read news site in the country, with a unique audience of 7.4 million, surpassing established mastheads like the Sydney Morning Herald, the Age, and the Australian.
Viner's Praise for Munk
Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of Guardian News and Media, expressed confidence in Munk's ability to build on the publication's success. "David has a deep understanding of both the Guardian and Australia, and brings great verve, creativity, openness and commitment to his work," Viner said. "I've no doubt that he will continue to build on Guardian Australia's many successes."
Munk's Vision
Munk expressed delight at the opportunity to lead Guardian Australia. "From small beginnings, the Guardian is now such an important part of Australian society as well as its fast-changing media landscape," Munk said. "Thanks to three brilliant previous editors we have built something special across the land and I will make it my mission to ensure we continue to give our readers, viewers and listeners the courageous, groundbreaking and – crucially – independent journalism they have come to expect from our amazing staff."
History and Staff
Munk, who joined the Guardian Australia newsroom in its second year, becomes the fourth editor of the title. The publication was launched under Viner in 2013, and Taylor replaced Emily Wilson in 2016 after three years as political editor in Canberra. Guardian Australia employs 140 editorial staff across bureaus in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra, and is supported by reader contributions and advertising. Munk returned to Sydney in February as acting editor after a stint as senior managing editor of the Guardian in London.
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