Sydney Morning Herald opening a Parramatta bureau
The Sydney Morning Herald is following the ABC’s lead and establishing a Parramatta bureau.
Editor Bevan Shields informed the Herald’s staffers this morning, in an email that explains “in some detail the thinking behind this investment”, and what the bureau will look like.
Shields told staffers the move is “a logical extension of our recent enhanced coverage of the issues and developments playing out in western Sydney”, explaining “we can no longer adequately cover a thriving part of the city from offices in North Sydney. Parramatta is the geographical heart of Sydney but we don’t have a presence there. This strategy will also allow us to better reflect the diversity of our city”.
Shields outlined the rapid expansion of the area – “Parramatta’s population is forecast to hit nearly 500,000 by 2040. Apartment towers are springing up, filled with aspirational families, young professionals and essential workers” – with major infrastructure projects and the launch of the Powerhouse Parramatta.
“In short, this part of Sydney is undergoing a rapid transformation and we should be part of it.”
The Parramatta team will cover a variety of topics in concert with the broader state topic. Reporters in the new bureau will cover urban affairs, education, health, culture, sport, politics, transport and any other issues worthy of coverage.
The Herald will soon open external and internal applications for two new reporter positions based in Parramatta, with plans to assign a third and potentially fourth Herald reporter from the North Sydney office, which Shields calls “a huge opportunity for a dynamic journalist to make their mark and really own something new and exciting”.
Keep up to date with the latest in media and marketing
Got a tip?
Nathan Jolly is the Features Editor at Mumbrella. He joined the team in July, 2023.
Linkedin
Have your say