Story perspectives

Politico Launches Australian Edition to Challenge Murdoch

2/25/2026

Center

Politico Expands Australia

Politico will launch its Australian edition, the Canberra Playbook, later this year to reach local and global audiences.
Ryan Heath leads the expansion for Politico.
The move aims to challenge Murdoch's media dominance in Australia.
Goli Sheikholeslami, CEO of Politico, emphasized the outlet's commitment to covering significant Indo-Pacific developments.
The launch follows international media expansion in Australia, including the New York Times, and comes despite layoffs.

Left

Gallagher Urges De-escalation

Australian Finance Minister Katy Gallagher called the bomb threat at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's residence very troubling and urged de-escalation.
The Australian Federal Police found no current threat after the three-hour evacuation.
Politico plans to launch an Australian outlet to connect international readers with local politics.
A report found more than 40% of Australian universities have operated at a deficit for most of the past five years.

History

Historical Context

The National Broadband Network was launched in Australia in 2013 to improve internet access nationwide, enabling media outlets like Politico to challenge Rupert Murdoch's influence. This shift mirrors the expansion of international media, such as the New York Times, into Australia, potentially reshaping political discourse and public engagement in the country as local media faces increasing challenges.

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Politico Expands Australia

Politico will launch its Australian edition, the Canberra Playbook, later this year to reach local and global audiences.
Ryan Heath leads the expansion for Politico.
The move aims to challenge Murdoch's media dominance in Australia.
Goli Sheikholeslami, CEO of Politico, emphasized the outlet's commitment to covering significant Indo-Pacific developments.
The launch follows international media expansion in Australia, including the New York Times, and comes despite layoffs.

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