The Canberra Times
| Company type | Daily newspaper |
|---|---|
| Industry | Newspaper publishing |
| Founded | 1926 |
| Founder | Thomas Shakespeare and sons Arthur, Christopher, and James Shakespeare |
| Headquarters | Canberra , Australia |
| Owner | Australian Community Media |
| Website | canberratimes |
The Canberra Times is a daily newspaper based in Canberra, Australia, and is published by Australian Community Media. Since its establishment in 1926, the publication has experienced various changes in ownership and format.
History
Established in 1926 by Thomas Shakespeare along with his sons Arthur, Christopher, and James, The Canberra Times initially operated from premises located within the Civic retail area at Cooyong and Mort Streets. This site was secured during Canberra’s inaugural lease sale in 1924.
The newspaper debuted on 3 September 1926 as a weekly publication before transitioning to daily circulation on 28 February 1928. In June 1956, it adopted a tabloid format. Arthur Shakespeare sold the title to John Fairfax Ltd in 1964 with the stipulation that the paper maintain its support for Canberra’s development. Shortly thereafter, the format reverted to broadsheet, and printing operations were transferred to Fairfax’s Fyshwick press. Although the offices remained in Civic for some time, they fully relocated to Fyshwick in April 1987; the original building was demolished in 2025.
In 1988, ownership changed hands when Federal Capital Press and the newspaper were sold to Kerry Packer’s Australian Consolidated Press for $250 million. The following year, Kerry Stokes acquired it for over $65 million. Rural Press Limited purchased the paper from Stokes in August 1998 for $160 million. The publication returned to Fairfax ownership after Rural Press merged with Fairfax in 2007. Its online edition was launched on 31 March 1997.
In 2008, The Canberra Times issued a public apology after publishing an essay that wrongly attributed controversial remarks to historian Daniel Pipes.
That same year, the newspaper included a sticker promoting the ACT Labor Party with its distribution, which led to public criticism and a subsequent explanation from general manager Ken Nichols.
Fairfax reorganized The Canberra Times in October 2013 by moving it into the Australian Community Media Group, which focuses on regional and community newspapers. A new editorial leadership team was installed in November 2015, appointing Grant Newton as editor.
In March 2016, during a restructuring phase that involved eliminating twelve editorial positions, the paper reverted from broadsheet back to tabloid format.
By September 2021, The Canberra Times had shifted its headquarters from Fyshwick back to an office located on Marcus Clarke Street in Civic.
The Guide
Introduced in July 1988, The Guide serves as a television and radio listings supplement.
Notable staff
Among its editors have been Jack Waterford and Michelle Grattan (1993–95). Peter Fray held the position of editor-in-chief until January 2009 before departing to oversee The Sydney Morning Herald. He was succeeded by Rod Quinn from the Newcastle Herald. In 2012, Quinn established a new senior editorial team. As of , John-Paul Moloney occupies the role of managing editor.
Prominent editorial cartoonists associated with the paper include Geoff Pryor, David Pope, and Pat Campbell.
Endorsements
| National election | Endorsement | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Template:Party name with colour | |
| 2013 | Template:Party name with colour | |
| 2016 | Template:Party name with colour | |
| 2019 | No endorsement | |
| 2022 | Template:Party name with colour | |
| 2025 | Template:Party name with colour | |