About our network
Built on principles of editorial independence and journalistic integrity
Founded in 2019 during a pivotal moment for Australian media
When legacy publications were consolidating and local newsrooms were shutting down, we saw an opportunity to build something fundamentally different. Not another corporate media conglomerate chasing quarterly returns, but an independent network that could sustain quality journalism through diversified revenue streams.
Our founding team brought together veterans from The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, alongside digital strategists who had built successful content platforms from scratch. The combination proved powerful.
Within eighteen months, we launched three digital publications. By year three, we had acquired two struggling regional magazines and transformed them into profitable ventures. Today, our network reaches 2.4 million Australians monthly across nine distinct publications.
Editorial philosophy that guides everything we publish
We believe journalism serves readers first, not advertisers or political agendas. Every story we commission must pass a simple test: does this help our audience understand something important, discover something valuable, or make a better-informed decision?
Our fact-checking process mirrors standards established by global investigative journalism organizations. Claims are verified against primary sources. Experts are consulted and quoted accurately. Context is provided, not just headlines.
When we make mistakes, we correct them prominently and explain what went wrong.
How we sustain independent journalism
The business model matters because it determines what kind of journalism survives. We've deliberately built multiple revenue streams so no single advertiser or sponsor can influence editorial decisions.
Revenue comes from sponsored content partnerships where disclosure is mandatory, custom editorial projects for organizations that value quality storytelling, digital distribution agreements, and modest subscription components for premium archives.
This diversification means our editors can say no to projects that compromise journalistic standards without jeopardizing the entire operation.
Key Milestones
Network founded with first publication launch
Reached 1 million monthly readers
First Walkley Award nomination
Expanded to nine publications
Leadership team
Rebecca Thompson
Editorial Director
Former senior editor at The Age with 18 years covering politics and investigative features.
Marcus Chen
Chief Operating Officer
Built digital content platforms for Fairfax Media before joining merry-storm at launch.
Alison Bradbury
Head of Partnerships
Oversees all sponsored content and partnership programs with focus on transparency.
Core values that define our work
Independence above all
No advertiser, partner, or external stakeholder influences what we publish or how we cover stories. Editorial decisions rest solely with our newsroom.
Transparency in everything
When content is sponsored, we say so clearly. When we make errors, we correct them prominently. Our business relationships are disclosed.
Quality over quantity
We commission fewer stories but invest more resources in each one. Better to publish three well-researched pieces than ten rushed ones.
Audience respect
Readers deserve content that respects their intelligence and time. We avoid clickbait, sensationalism, and manipulative tactics.