Australian All Newspaper List
Australia has a vibrant and diverse newspaper industry, shaped by its history as a British colony and its evolution into a modern, multicultural nation. The first newspaper published in Australia was The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser in 1803, which was government-controlled and marked the beginning of print media in the country. By the mid-19th century, newspapers proliferated, with the Sydney Morning Herald (founded in 1831) becoming one of the longest-running. Freedom of the press emerged in the 1820s, notably when Andrew Bent published the Hobart Town Gazette without government approval in 1824.
Today, Australia has two national daily newspapers, about 10 state/territory dailies, 35 regional dailies, and over 470 regional and suburban papers. The industry is highly concentrated, with most major metropolitan outlets owned by News Corp Australia (controlled by Rupert Murdoch's family) or Nine Entertainment. Exceptions include The West Australian in Perth and The Canberra Times. Print circulation has declined due to digital shifts, but online editions and paywalls have grown. As of recent data, the Sydney Morning Herald leads in total readership (print and digital) with over eight million readers.
Newspapers cover national politics, business, sports (especially cricket and AFL), Indigenous issues, and international news. Many have a clear editorial slant: News Corp titles often lean conservative, while others like The Age emphasize progressive values such as social justice and openness in government.
