Former Age A2 editor Sally Heath has been announced as the new editor of Meanjin. Heath joined Melbourne University Press (MUP) in August of this year under the title of associate publisher and takes up the role after Sophie Cunningham had her contract discontinued.
Cunningham reportedly left Meanjin after MUP chair Alan Kohler recommended the magazine move to an online only model. But there’s no mention of publishing strategy with today’s appointment. Peter Craven was just one vocal critic at the time, writing “Whatever prevaricating noises may be made by MUP or the university, it is clear that the reason for her departure was that she was unwilling to preside over the effective dissolution of a great literary institution.”
In a press release from MUP today, Heath commented “It is a great honour to be appointed editor of Meanjin. It is an exciting time to work on the journal: to stay true to its tradition while exploring imaginative options to connect with readers.”
MUP CEO Louise Adler alluded to a greater online presence in her statement today: “The opportunities are growing, not contracting, for purveyors of content who are flexible and creative. In five years time Meanjin’s forms of publication will have proliferated, not diminished. The magazine will find expression in print editions, compendiums, websites, blogs, mobile applications and other forms we cannot yet foresee.”