Our Mission
Melbourne Chatter was founded on a simple belief: that Melbourne deserves a publication that covers it with the depth, rigour and independence the city's 5.3 million residents deserve. We are not owned by a media conglomerate. We do not answer to a parent company with competing commercial interests. We answer to our readers.
We are committed to reporting the facts, holding power to account and telling the stories that shape life in this city — whether that's a state budget, a planning decision that will transform a neighbourhood, or the performances of the clubs that carry the hopes of hundreds of thousands of fans each weekend.
We cover Melbourne in its full breadth: the inner suburbs and the western plains, the CBD towers and the suburban high streets, the wealthy and the struggling, the established and the newly arrived. This is a city of enormous complexity and dynamism. Our ambition is journalism that does it justice.
Our Values
Independence
Our journalism is not shaped by the interests of advertisers, political parties or corporate owners. Editorial decisions are guided by the public interest.
Accuracy
We verify before we publish. We correct errors promptly and transparently. We do not trade speed for accuracy.
Accountability
Public figures, institutions and corporations must be held responsible for their decisions. We pursue that accountability without fear or favour.
Fairness
We seek and publish responses from those we report on. We represent the full range of perspectives on contested issues and we do not misrepresent the views of those we disagree with.
Local Focus
Melbourne is our beat. We cover the national and international context where it directly affects our city, but our primary commitment is to the people, places and institutions of Greater Melbourne and Victoria.
Transparency
We are open about our methods, our sources (where this does not compromise their safety), our corrections and our funding. Journalism earns trust through transparency.
Editorial Standards
Melbourne Chatter strives to be fair, accurate and responsible in its reporting. We aim to provide the right of reply to those we cover and to present issues honestly and in context.
If you believe we have made an error, please contact us at [email protected]. We take corrections seriously and will update published material where appropriate.
If you have a tip, a story idea or information you believe the public needs to know, we want to hear from you. You can reach us through our contact page or by email.