Washington D.C. – – US-based political news organization Politico is expanding its global footprint with a launch in Australia later this year, establishing a presence in Canberra and challenging existing media coverage of Australian politics and policy.
The expansion, announced on , will see the introduction of a localized version of Politico’s signature “Playbook” newsletter, a daily briefing widely read by political insiders in Washington D.C. And other capitals. The Canberra Playbook is slated to launch after the Australian Parliament returns from its winter recess.
Ryan Heath, a former editorial director for global growth at Politico, will lead the Australian operation as Launch Editor. Heath, who previously worked in the United Kingdom and Europe, brings experience launching Politico’s Playbook in Brussels and contributing to other international editions. His return to the organization signals a strategic focus on leveraging existing expertise for the Australian venture.
“Politico’s expansion to Australia is natural,” stated Goli Sheikholeslami, CEO of Politico. “We will deliver the same essential U.S. And European coverage that our audiences in the western hemisphere depend on. And we will be even better positioned to help readers around the globe understand important economic and geopolitical developments in the Indo-Pacific, from trade and defence to energy and critical minerals.”
The move represents a significant investment in the Australian media landscape and a direct challenge to established players covering federal politics, policy, and foreign affairs. Politico’s reputation for in-depth reporting, insider access, and a focus on the dynamics of power is expected to resonate with a readership seeking a more nuanced understanding of Australian political processes.
Founded in , Politico has grown from a digital newspaper focused on US politics to a global media company with operations in Europe and a subscriber base of both individual readers and professionals through its POLITICO Pro service. The company was acquired by German publisher Axel Springer SE in for a reported sum exceeding $1 billion.
Axel Springer SE’s acquisition of Politico came with stated principles regarding editorial direction, including support for Israel, a united Europe, and a free-market economy. In , Politico employees secured a landmark legal victory against the company’s use of artificial intelligence tools, a case that highlighted the evolving relationship between media organizations and emerging technologies.
Heath emphasized the need for journalism that clarifies the complex interplay of power and policy, both domestically and internationally. “Australians need journalism that explains power dynamics and connects the dots globally, and Politico is ideally poised to deliver it,” he said. “We take politicians and policy seriously – it’s all we do. We will bring that depth and new angles to political journalism in Canberra, just as we have everywhere else we operate.”
The launch of the Canberra Playbook aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Australian political landscape, offering insights into the key players, policy debates, and upcoming events shaping the nation’s future. Politico’s expansion into Australia reflects a broader trend of international media organizations seeking to capitalize on growing demand for high-quality political journalism in the Indo-Pacific region.
With its established brand and experienced leadership, Politico is positioned to become a significant voice in Australian political discourse, offering a fresh perspective and a commitment to in-depth reporting. The venture’s success will likely depend on its ability to adapt its established formula to the unique characteristics of the Australian political system and media environment.
