The Sydney Morning Herald, in print for more than 195 years, is known for its courageous, independent journalism and is also at the forefront of innovation in online storytelling. The Herald's editor, Jordan Baker, highlighted the masthead's proud history of training journalists who become significant voices in the country. She cited examples including international editor Peter Hartcher, economics editor Ross Gittins, and columnist Jacqueline Maley, all former Herald cadets. More recent graduates include Natassia Chrysanthos, who will become the South East-Asia correspondent next year, and Anthony Segaert, the Parramatta bureau chief. Baker said she looked forward to celebrating the successes of the class of 2027. Luke McIlveen, executive editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, said many of the biggest names in Australian journalism have come through the trainee program. He described it as highly competitive and welcomed the best and brightest aspiring journalists. Applications are open until just before midnight on Sunday, October 18, with the traineeship beginning in February 2027.
The Sydney Morning Herald opens applications for 2027 journalism traineeship
Deadline October 18; program starts February 2027
Analysis
Why This Matters
- This traineeship has produced many of Australia's leading journalists and is a key entry point into the industry.
- The Herald's investment in training signals a continued commitment to quality journalism amid media disruption.
- For aspiring reporters, the program offers a prestigious, competitive path into professional newsrooms.
Background
The Sydney Morning Herald, founded in 1831, has a long tradition of training journalists through its cadet and traineeship programs. The program is designed to develop storytelling skills, news judgment, and ethical reporting practices in a real-world newsroom environment. It is part of a broader effort by the Herald to nurture talent and maintain its reputation for independent journalism.
Key Perspectives
[Herald management]: The program is essential for cultivating the next generation of journalists and preserving the newspaper's legacy. The emphasis on rigorous training and mentorship is seen as a way to uphold journalistic standards. [Aspiring journalists]: The traineeship offers a direct route into a respected newsroom, but competition is intense. Successful candidates benefit from hands-on experience and networking with award-winning staff. [Industry observers]: While the program is valuable for press diversity and quality, the broader media landscape faces pressures from digital disruption and shrinking newsrooms, making such training opportunities increasingly important.
What to Watch
- The number and diversity of applicants by the October 18 deadline.
- Which graduates from the class of 2027 go on to prominent roles in the following years.
- How the Herald continues to adapt its training model to evolving digital journalism.
Sources
- Herald on the hunt for the next generation of passionate journalists — Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
- Herald on the hunt for the next generation of passionate journalists — Brisbane Times - Latest News