Guardian’s move ‘heralds new era’

The relocation of Geraldton Newspapers from Beachlands to the Geraldton CBD heralds a new era for one of WA’s longest running media organisations, says editor Michael Philipps.

The company began publishing this week from its new premises at unit 2, 30 Chapman Road.

It had previously operated from its Barker Street complex since 1981.

Mr Philipps, editor of The Geraldton Guardian and Midwest Times, said the move represented an exciting new chapter in the long story of the history of The Geraldton Guardian.

“To be a part of the CBD will be immensely beneficial for our journalists and for the public,” he said.

“We would love to have people drop in and see us about story ideas.”

Branch manager Jason Scott said advances in technology, a refocus on cross-platform publication and a desire to be seen as part of the local community were factors that were instrumental in moving to the CBD.

“There are challenges for the newspaper industry worldwide but as one of the State’s longest-running newspapers,The Geraldton Guardian is continuing to be an important part of the community,” he said.

“The Guardian has been around since 1903, which makes it one of the longest-running businesses in Geraldton. It is quite special to move into the heart of the city and continue that legacy.”

Geraldton Newspapers publishes the twice-weekly The Geraldton Guardian, the free weekly Midwest Times and the quarterly Ocean Drive magazine.

The new offices are at unit 2, 30 Chapman Road, next door to McDonald’s.