Christopher Dore steps down as editor-in-chief of The Australian
The Australian editor-in-chief, Christopher Dore, has stepped down from his role with the publication after four years due to “personal health issues”.
After almost 31 years at News Corp, Dore sent a note to his employees on Wednesday announcing his exit, explaining it was to concentrate on restoring his health.
Christopher Dore.
“Last month, I marked my four-year anniversary in the job. Any editor will admit the past few years have felt like dog years and as you know, I have no off switch.
“I am exhausted, and have recognised I can’t keep going on like this,” the note read.
“I have long-standing personal health issues I need to resolve, and I am leaving News to concentrate on restoring my health.”
During Dore’s time as editor, subscriber numbers for both digital and print editions of publication have grown to almost 277,000 at the end of June this year and have seen the most significant growth to any other News Corp Masthead during that time.
In August, News Corp Australia made 15 involuntary redundancies during the same week, including several further voluntary redundancies.
In a statement from the MEAA at the time, News Corp announced redundancies across The Australian (five positions), Daily Telegraph (two positions), Herald Sun (three positions), News Network (two positions), and COPE (three positions). In addition, there have been several further voluntary redundancies.
The MEAA said this decision comes at a time when members are already being expected to “do more with less”.
“For members impacted by this announcement, you have the right to have a support person with you in meetings, and if you are not available for scheduled meetings, you are able to find a time that is suitable and works for you,” the union wrote. “MEAA organisers have been assisting with these meetings over recent days.”
MEAA director of media, Adam Portelli told Mumbrella: “These redundancies came with no notice, no consultation, and no respect.
“At a time when members are already being expected to do more with less, News Corp has decided to cut staffing further, even while it scores huge payouts from Google and Facebook and increases its profits.”
“Ultimately, these cuts mean that readers lose out,” he said.
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