Melbourne’s most widely read and trusted newspaper, The Age, marks a historic milestone today as it celebrates 170 years of publication — a remarkable journey that cements its place among some of the world’s oldest metropolitan newspapers.

To honour this legacy, a special commemorative wrap-around in today’s paper will highlight The Age‘s lifelong bond with Melburnians, its deep connection to the city, and how its quality journalism has chronicled the state’s triumphs, trials, and transformations across generations.

A Look Inside the 170th Anniversary Edition

The 170th anniversary edition of The Age features special content that reflects upon and celebrates the paper’s past, present, and future:

• Editor Patrick Elligett offers insights into The Age‘s evolution and its path forward, affirming the paper’s commitment to fearless reporting.

• Acclaimed investigative journalist Nick McKenzie shares a personal reflection on the crucial role of public interest journalism in shaping society.

• Tony Wright takes readers back to 1854, recounting the founding of The Age during a pivotal year in Melbourne’s history.

• Senior reporter Michael Bachelard delves into the history of the newspaper’s investigations unit, which has uncovered stories that led to Royal Commissions and Inquiries.

• A tribute to Nancy Sibtain, the 97-year-old cryptic crossword legend, celebrating her decades of puzzling readers.

• A special quiz by CBD columnist Stephen Brook tests readers’ knowledge of Melbourne’s history and quirks.

• Warwick McFadyen revisits The Age editorials on landmark issues, including capital punishment, the republic, same-sex marriage, and major elections.

• Iconic figures from the world of arts, politics, sport, and food share cherished memories of the newspaper’s impact; and

• Readers’ letters offer heartfelt reflections on what The Age means to them, painting a picture of the paper’s lasting influence.

A Legacy Woven Into Melbourne’s DNA

Founded by John and Henry Cooke in 1854, The Age was later acquired by Ebenezer and David Syme in 1856. Under David Syme’s visionary leadership, the paper grew alongside the city and state, becoming an essential part of Melbourne’s identity for the past 170 years.

The Age now stands tall among a select group of long-standing newspapers worldwide, alongside titles such as The Sydney Morning Herald (1831), the UK’s The Guardian (1821), and the US’s New York Times (1851).

From its inaugural edition which rolled off the printing press in Melbourne’s Exhibition Hall on October 17, 1854, The Age promised to be a publication “dedicated to the record of great movements, advocacy of free institutions, diffusion of truth, advancement of man”. This responsibility has not wavered over the past 170 years, with The Age‘s commitment to public interest journalism that speaks truth to power as strong as ever.

Its world-class, fearless reporting has uncovered stories that have led to Royal Commissions, Inquiries, police charges and high-profile civil and criminal convictions, with no publication able to claim to have done more to hold power to account in Australia in recent years.

Editor Patrick Elligett said, “The team at The Age is immensely proud of our masthead’s great history and traditions, but also hungry for innovation and eager to find new ways to fulfil our duty to readers. I am confident the coming years will be our best yet.”

Join us in celebrating 170 years of a paper that remains as integral to Melbourne’s story as the city itself.

The wrap-around marking the 170th anniversary of The Age is now on sale with online coverage starting from 5:00am AEDT, Thursday 17 October.

For further information, please contact:
Caitlin Lynch
Senior Communications Manager
clynch@nine.com.au

Thursday, October 17, 2024