The Sydney Morning Herald editor Bevan Shields has announced he is stepping aside from the role after four years, telling staff the time has come to prioritise his health and map out the next stage of his career.
Chief reporter Jordan Baker will take over the role in 2026.
In a note to the newsroom, which Mediaweek has seen, Shields acknowledged recent speculation about his future and said he wanted to address it directly.
“I am aware there has been some speculation about my future,” he wrote. “I am writing to tell you that after four years as editor of The Sydney Morning Herald, I have decided to step aside.”
Shields described the editorship as “the honour of my life,” adding that he was “extremely proud of everything we have achieved together.” He said the decision was driven by a need to “focus on my health and wellbeing, and to think about the next chapter in my career.”
He will take a break from the newsroom over summer before returning to the Herald in a senior writing role in 2026.
“I would like to thank you all for the privilege of being your editor,” he said. “Thank you again for everything.”
More to come.