Congratulations to former New Matilda editor and owner Marni Cordell, who is set to take a job at global media behemoth BuzzFeed.
According to a report in Mumbrella, Cordell will move into the new head of news post at BuzzFeed Australia in April, having spent almost two years as the editor of Crikey.
Cordell has a long history in independent media, and has brought in-depth and investigative coverage to a range of issues including immigration detention and the struggle for justice and independence in West Papua.
Cordell moved on from New Matilda in May 2014, before the publication was handed over to current editor and owner Chris Graham.
“It’s been an amazing ride, and for the past four years I’ve scrimped and saved to keep NM online because I’m a sucker for independent media — the way that it pushes the boundaries of acceptable debate, publishes stories no-one else will touch, and takes a punt on new writers when the majors won’t,” Cordell wrote at the time. “Now more than ever, that feels so important.”
BuzzFeed Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith welcomed Cordell to BuzzFeed on twitter.
Truly thrilled that the great @marnicordell has agreed to join @BuzzFeedOz as our head of news in Sydney. https://t.co/n9AuXCLqjE
— Ben Smith (@BuzzFeedBen) March 15, 2016
BuzzFeed Australia editor Simon Crerar told Mumbrella that Cordell would energise the outlet’s young staff.
“Fiercely passionate about independent journalism, Marni comes with a reputation as a tough, driven, bold editor – with her at the helm I’m confident our news team will punch well above its weight in this election year, and beyond,” he said.
Crikey staff also paid tribute to their departing editor.
.@marnicordell is a demanding editor who pushes her journos to do better. I learnt a lot from her – let’s see what she does to @BuzzFeedOz — Myriam Robin (@myriamrobin) March 15, 2016
BuzzFeed set up its Australian branch in 2013. The company had originally drawn huge audiences by producing viral and highly sharable content, but has pivoted towards regular news and investigative reporting. Its news coverage in Australia has focused on LGBTI issues, mainstream politics, social media, and Aboriginal affairs.
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