US political journalism outlet Politico will launch an Australian edition later this year, targeting both local and international readers with its signature brand of insider reporting on politics and policy. The expansion, announced February 24, 2026, marks a significant move for the publication, which is owned by German media company Axel Springer SE.
The Australian operation will be spearheaded by Ryan Heath, a former Politico editorial director and Australian native. Heath previously held positions in the UK civil service and as a speechwriter for the European Commission and co-founded Politico Europe in Brussels. He will lead the launch after the conclusion of the Australian winter parliamentary recess.
According to Politico CEO Goli Sheikholeslami, the expansion is a natural progression for the company. “We will deliver the same essential US and European coverage that our audiences in the Western hemisphere depend on,” Sheikholeslami stated. “And we will be even better positioned to help readers around the globe understand important economic and geopolitical developments in the Indo-Pacific, from trade and defence to energy and critical minerals.”
Heath emphasized the need for journalism that clarifies power dynamics and provides global context within Australia. “We take politicians and policy seriously – it’s all we do. We will bring that depth and modern angles to political journalism in Canberra, just as we have everywhere else we operate,” he said. Politico intends to replicate the success of its US “Playbook” newsletter with a “Canberra Playbook,” offering a daily digest of news, insider information, and upcoming events.
Politico was founded in 2007 and quickly established itself as a key source of information for Washington insiders. In 2021, Axel Springer SE acquired Politico for over $1 billion. As part of the acquisition, Axel Springer SE CEO Mathias Dopfner stipulated that Politico employees adhere to the company’s principles of support for Israel, a free-market economy, and a united Europe. In 2025, Politico employees secured a landmark legal victory concerning the firm’s employ of artificial intelligence tools.
The launch in Australia will see Politico compete with established Australian media outlets covering the Canberra press gallery. The company currently operates publications covering the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and Canada, and maintains a subscription service, POLITICO Pro, for professional audiences.
