When award-winning journalist Alan Rusbridger decided to step down from his position as editor-in-chief of The Guardian, the newspaper’s owner The Scott Trust had quite a task on its hands to find a worthy replacement.
But after a meticulous search, the group has announced that launch Guardian Australia editor and long-time Guardian staff member Katharine Viner will be taking up the reins. This will be the first time a woman has run the famed British newspaper in its 194-year history.
The Scott Trust explained that Viner was the perfect choice for her position, based on her long career within the publication. “In her 18 years at the Guardian, Viner has done almost every editorial job in the organisation, including running Guardian US and Guardian Australia, and has shown herself to be an inspiring and courageous leader,” says Liz Forgan, outgoing chair of the Scott Trust.
“She has embraced the huge changes in the industry with creativity and relish whilst bringing with her a deep commitment to the Guardian’s traditions of plural, liberal journalism. The Scott Trust is confident that Katharine, building on the extraordinary achievements of Alan Rusbridger, is the right person to lead the Guardian and the Observer as we expand on new platforms and in new markets.”
Viner has said that she is honoured by the promotion: “Being editor-in-chief of the Guardian and Observer is an enormous privilege and responsibility, leading a first class team of journalists revered around the world for outstanding reporting, independent thinking, incisive analysis and digital innovation.”
On her future plans for the newspaper turned global news network, Viner comments: “Building on Rusbridger’s track record, I intend to lead a media organisation that is bold, challenging, opening and engaging. It will be a home for the most ambitious journalism, ideas and events, setting the agenda and reaching out to readers all around the world.”
