Mr Mitchell brings extensive experience in regional media, publishing and communications, having held editing and senior newsroom leadership roles in Australia and throughout his native New Zealand.
McPherson Media Group chief content officer Daniel Dulhunty said Mr Mitchell’s experience and passion for regional journalism made him the standout choice to lead The News into its next chapter.
“Rob has a fantastic track record leading newsrooms and telling the stories that matter most to the communities he’s served,” he said.
“He brings energy, fresh ideas and real depth of experience to the role, and I have no doubt he’ll be a great editor for The News and a terrific addition to the team.”
Mr Mitchell has previously held editor and deputy editor roles at two respected regional New Zealand mastheads, the Manawatu Standard and the Taranaki Daily News.
He served as chief news director at Stuff, one of New Zealand’s most influential news organisations, and was a senior writer at The Post in Wellington.
Outside the newsroom, Mr Mitchell has worked in communications roles spanning the health, disability support, agriculture and maritime sectors, giving him a broad understanding of the issues that matter to regional communities.
Mr Mitchell said he was thrilled to be taking on the position and was looking forward to getting to know the community.
“The Shepparton News has a great history of serving its community and telling its stories,” Mr Mitchell said.
“I’m keen to be part of that tradition and part of a quality newsroom that delivers important information about what’s going on in the region and news that matters — and of course to experience some of the produce the region is famous for.”
Mr Mitchell takes over the editorship from Christine Anderson, who retired last week after 25 years with MMG.
Ms Anderson’s quarter-century with the company saw her make a significant and lasting contribution to The News and the wider Goulburn Valley community, and she leaves behind a strong legacy of quality regional journalism.
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