Peter Fray named managing editor of Crikey and editor in chief of Private Media
Former deputy editor of The Australian and University of Technology Sydney professor of journalism practice, Peter Fray, has been named the new editor in chief of Private Media and managing editor of its title Crikey.
In the role, Fray will oversee the editorial direction of the publisher’s three publications – Crikey, The Mandarin and Smart Company.
Fray is joining Crikey as its managing editor and will oversee editorial direction on all Private Media titles
As the managing editor of Crikey and its INQ investigative journalism unit, Fray will take a ‘hands-on role’ in running editorial operations, leading reporters, writers and editors, and working closely with the publisher and commercial team.
INQ launched in June and is made up of 12 journalists. It was funded through backing from Private Media shareholders John B Fairfax and Cameron O’Reilly.
Fray is also currently the co-director of the Centre for Media Transition, an applied research centre supported by the faculties of law and social sciences. Prior to his time with The Australian, he had been editor in chief of the Sydney Morning Herald and the Sun-Herald, editor of the Canberra Times and the Sunday Age, and in 2013 he established Australia’s first stand-alone fact-checking site – PolitiFact Australia.
“We’re delighted to bring Peter into Private Media” said Eric Beecher, chairman, and Tamsin Creed, general manager and Crikey publisher.
“He is one of the outstanding editors of his generation, he is passionate about journalism and wants to play a big part in shaping its future.”
Fray said he was excited to be joining a ‘fiercely independent’ media outlet.
“I am over the moon to be joining Private Media and be given this chance to make a significant contribution to the growth of its titles, staff and financial success. The health of a fiercely independent, home-grown news media is vital to Australia.”
“I have long admired the work of Crikey and celebrated the work of the Mandarin and Smart Company. The new INQ team brings a compelling dimension to Crikey’s subscriber offering, with its investigative work. I am very much looking forward to being part of its development.”
Crikey recently lost its managing editor Bhakthi Puvanenthiran who left to become the editor of ABC’s lifestyle vertical ABC Life.
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topics
Bhakthi Puvanenthiran
Crikey
Eric Beecher
INQ
Peter Fray
Private Media
Smart Company
Tamsin Creed
The Australian
The Mandarin
UTS
Terrific hire! Peter is such a deep thinker about digital media, and a bona fide dynamo. Can’t wait to see him breathe new life into Crikey.
[Edited under Mumbrella’s comment policy] acquires lipstick.
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Exciting news! Crikey is lucky to have him. CMT have done great reports on the changing industry.
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