The Legacy and Evolution of The Sydney Morning Herald
For nearly two centuries, The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) has served as a cornerstone of Australian journalism. Founded in April 1831, it stands as one of the country's oldest and most influential daily newspapers. From its early days as a colonial publication to its modern era under Nine Entertainment Co., the SMH has continuously adapted to the changing landscape of news, technology, and political discourse.
A Rich Historical Foundation
The newspaper was established by founders William McGarvie, Alfred Ward Stephens, and Frederick Stokes. Over the decades, it has undergone significant structural and format changes to remain relevant to its readership. One notable shift occurred on 15 April 1944, when the paper began the trend of printing news on the front page rather than relying solely on advertising—a move that placed it ahead of most other metropolitan dailies in the country.
The publication has also seen various iterations of its weekly offerings. In 1949, it launched a Sunday edition called The Sunday Herald. By 1954, this was merged with the Sun newspaper to create The Sun-Herald, a publication that continues to run today. In more recent history, the paper transitioned from a traditional broadsheet (a large-format newspaper) to a compact format (a smaller, more portable size) in early 2014.
Editorial Stance and Political Influence
The editorial direction of the SMH has evolved significantly over time. For the first sixty years of Australian Federation, the newspaper maintained a conservative stance, consistently endorsing conservative governments. However, in recent decades, its political endorsements have shifted toward the Labor Party. The SMH has endorsed Labor in several federal elections, including 1961, 1984, 1987, 2007, 2010, 2019, 2022, and 2025.
Key Facts
- Founded: April 1831
- Current Owner: Nine Entertainment Co.
- Headquarters: North Sydney, Australia
- Weekly Readership: Approximately 808,000
- Format: Daily compact newspaper
- Sister Publications: The Sun-Herald and The Age
Content and Specialized Sections
The SMH is known for its diverse range of content, offering specialized sections throughout the week to cater to different interests:
- Mondays: The Guide (television)
- Tuesdays: Good Food and Domain (real estate)
- Wednesdays: Money (personal finance)
- Fridays: Drive (motoring) and Shortlist (entertainment)
The Tradition of Column 8
One of the most enduring features of the paper is Column 8. First published on 11 January 1947, this short column features observations and interesting happenings sent in by readers. Originally located in the eighth column of the front page, it moved to the back page of the first section in 2000 and currently resides on the Opinion pages.
Quick Reference Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Daily newspaper |
| Language | English |
| Circulation (2018) | 231,232 |
| ISSN | 0312-6315 |
| Editor | Jordan Baker |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns The Sydney Morning Herald?
The newspaper is currently owned and published by Nine Entertainment Co., which has held ownership since 2018.
What is the "Woman of the Year" in Daily Life?
The SMH features a "Daily Life Woman of the Year" recognition. Notable recipients include Julia Gillard (2012), Rosie Batty (2014), Gillian Triggs (2015), and Mariam Veiszadeh (2016).
How has the newspaper's format changed?
The SMH transitioned from a broadsheet format to a compact format in early 2014, coinciding with the decommissioning of the Chullora printing plant.
What is the relationship between the SMH and The Age?
The SMH and The Age are sister newspapers. Many journalists, such as federal political reporters and technology editors, hold similar roles across both publications.
What is the significance of Column 8?
Column 8 is a long-running feature (since 1947) that provides a space for reader observations and miscellaneous interesting happenings, serving as a unique community-driven segment of the paper.