Lane Sainty takes the helm as editor of BuzzFeed Australia
BuzzFeed News Australia has promoted reporter Lane Sainty to be its new editor, following the departure of head of news Marni Cordell for the Guardian.
Sainty has been with the news outlet since 2015, surviving the raft of redundancies that plagued the global business, including 11 roles cut from the Australian office.
Sainty has been with BuzzFeed News Australia since 2015
Sainty told Mumbrella: “I’m stoked to be the new editor of BuzzFeed News Australia. Marni Cordell ran a small newsroom that punched far above its weight, and I’m excited to be continuing our ambitious journalism,” said Sainty.
“My focus will be on original reporting that makes real world impact and serves a smart young audience. I’ve always loved BuzzFeed’s sense of humour and unique story mix and fully intend to lean into those strengths as editor.
“My first port of call is to add another reporter to our unit, and I will be searching for the right person in the coming weeks.”
Sainty’s appointment comes after speculation BuzzFeed was looking to end its local presence in Australia, something editor-in-chief Ben Smith denied when speaking to The Australian.
BuzzFeed also made headlines last month when it finally settled its legal battle with former MP Emma Husar, over an article written by Alice Workman when she was still with the business. Husar claimed she was portrayed as “a slut” and “sexually perverted” in the August 2018 article. It’s not known what the agreed settlement figure was, but a statement was issued by BuzzFeed shortly after in which the outlet avoided admitting liability, but did apologise to Husar.
