Last night, WAtoday welcomed local dignitaries, industry stakeholders and political leaders to a special event at the State Buildings in the city, revealing the masthead’s refreshed brand identity. Adding vigour to an innovative and expansive editorial offering, WAtoday will build on its reputation to provide West Australians with the latest independent news and public interest journalism.  

With Perth the fastest-growing capital city in Australia – and more than 2.9 million people now calling WA home – the masthead will increase its investment in local content that appeals to growing diverse audiences, cementing its platform as the go-to source for breaking news, analysis, entertainment and more. 

Together with its local team of award-winning journalists and editorial contributions from its stablemates The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times, WAtoday will work closely with 9News Perth to provide a superior online news service backed by exceptional resources.

WAtoday’s Daile Cross, who worked at the masthead when it launched in 2008 and is now at the helm as Editor, will continue to lead the publication in this exciting new phase, which will include the removal of its paywall for WA content.

“The time is right to unveil a new WAtoday, and unlocking the local paywall will ensure greater reach and a better connection to community, allowing readers premium access to our slate of independent news and analysis, without bias or an agenda,” Cross said.

“We will launch new content, including a new Perth news live blog which will run each weekday, and provide more hyper-local content that will entertain, educate and inspire the people of Perth to better know and understand – and above all be proud of – their exceptional city.

“Also, we’ll be launching a special Lunch With series hosted by respected business journalist Jesinta Burton, who will be up close and personal with some of our state’s top leaders and personalities, warmly conveying their stories through unique candid insight like never before.”  

9News Perth Director of News, Gareth Parker, will assist with local news integration, saying: “It makes sense to come together, and by supporting each other with Nine’s quality news resources, we’ve set a new benchmark when it comes to delivering trusted local news and information for a changing, progressive city.”

Luke McIlveen, Executive Editor of WAtoday, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times, said: “WAtoday has always upheld its commitment to independent journalism in a market where quality news is so highly sought after. This new chapter will see WAtoday service its growing audience with hyper-local news and state issues, as well as utilising the Walkley Award-winning journalism of its sister mastheads to ensure West Australians receive the world class journalism they deserve.” 

Nine Perth Managing Director, Clive Bingwa, said: “Nine Perth remains committed to delivering audiences quality and trusted news whether it be via our local television, digital or radio assets.

“The investment in WAtoday driven by Daile’s editorial direction will give readers a better alternative source of online news, and together with the support of Gareth and his 9News team will ensure readers are better informed every day, with stories that make a meaningful difference to their lives.”

WAtoday.com.au

WAtoday Reveals New Era at Perth’s State Buildings: GALLERY 

For further information, please contact:
Peter Brennan
Program, Marketing & Communications Manager
pebrennan@nine.com.au

Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager – Trade & Publishing 
amotte@nine.com.au 

Wednesday, April 24, 2024