Herald appoints first woman editor in its 180-year history

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 13 years ago

Herald appoints first woman editor in its 180-year history

By Tim Dick

THE Herald has been published since April 1831, through depressions and wars into the internet age, but until yesterday afternoon never has a woman been its editor. Amanda Wilson is now the first.

Previously deputy editor, she has acted in the role since October, when Peter Fray was made editor-in-chief of the Herald and its sister paper, The Sun-Herald.

Amanda Wilson is the new editor of the <i>Herald</i>.

Amanda Wilson is the new editor of the Herald.

Wilson, a journalist for more than 30 years, said she had no idea why it had taken so long for a woman to be appointed to the role given the number of talented female colleagues with whom she had worked. ''We have always had brilliant women journalists at the Herald,'' she said. ''One of the people who helped me here was Lis Sterel and in my opinion she should have been the first woman editor.''

Wilson said her sex had little to do with trying to be the best editor she could be, but one of the benefits of having more women in the industry, and now as an editor, was it made it easier for men to do what women have always had to do - balance their work and family lives.

''It's helped men achieve some equality,'' she said.

The appointment is one of a number of recent moves at Fairfax Media, with its chief executive, Brian McCarthy, leaving last month, The Sun-Herald getting a new editor, Rick Feneley, and the implementation of a restructure to address digital challenges.

Wilson said that while it looked to monetise its online news publications, it was her job to keep the Herald's journalism strong.

''At the core of the culture here is a commitment to outstanding, independent journalism, and I'm going to do my best to uphold that - wherever you read it.''

The Herald publisher, Lloyd Whish-Wilson, said: ''Amanda's flair, awareness and balance have been significant contributors to the successes of the newspaper in recent years.''

Advertisement

Fairfax Media's acting chief executive, Greg Hywood, said it was an important day for the paper and the company.

''Amanda will be the first female editor of this great newspaper in its 180-year history. I know from experience Amanda will bring great strength and insight to the role,'' he said.

Fray said: ''Amanda has enormous energy, drive and vision and I am delighted by her appointment, on a personal and professional level. It is a terrific moment in the life of the Herald.''

Wilson's career began with News Ltd as a cadet in Melbourne. She spent 12 years in Britain as assistant editor of the Sunday Express and chief sub-editor of The Sunday Times.

She joined the Herald in 1994, and has been its foreign editor, news editor, Spectrum editor and Saturday editor.

Most Viewed in Business

Loading