Leading with impact: how Sydney Morning Herald Editor Jordan Baker tackles Australia’s most intense media marathon

It is a defining milestone on the news calendar, but this year’s announcement carried an extraordinary weight. With major historical shifts dominating the pages – including negative gearing and capital gains tax reforms – the pressure was on to deliver sharp, immediate, and trusted analysis the exact second the embargo lifted.

We sat down with Jordan to pull back the curtain on what it takes to lead through the budget lock-up, the unique culture of a disconnected newsroom, and why Nine is the ultimate place for passionate journalists to test their skills and drive their careers forward.

A culture built on meticulous planning

While readers see the flurry of complex articles, live updates, and data graphics drop precisely at 7:30pm, the groundwork for budget night begins months in advance. At Nine, pulling off an operation of this scale is a massive, multi-department effort that bridges world-class editorial expertise with technical precision.

“The budget coverage for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age is meticulously planned every year. Our technology and production people meet for months beforehand to ensure that all the systems are working. Our Canberra team works on budget preparation for months, too.”

When budget day finally arrives, the entire operation transforms into a highly synchronized, dual-location powerhouse that thrives on cross-team collaboration.

“There’s a team in a lock-up in Canberra, and The Sydney Morning Herald offices are turned into a lock-up, too, so The Age team flies up here,” says Jordan. This physical gathering of minds sets the stage for six hours of pure, uninterrupted focus.

Stripping away distractions: a ’90s newsroom revival

Once the lock-up begins, the modern digital newsroom undergoes a radical, fascinating transformation. To ensure total security before the official government announcement, all internet access is severed, and mobile phones are banned.

Jordan describes the environment as feeling “pleasantly early ’90s” – a unique experience that forces journalists to lean heavily on collective knowledge and traditional skills.

“It’s a little strange, actually; it’s a reminder of how much we rely upon the internet. We can’t just check a random fact or date online. One of the reporters was thinking about using a reference to one of Napoleon’s battles in their analysis, but despite the best efforts of a sizable group of journalists, no-one could remember what it was called, so we had to jettison that idea.”

Without the convenience of modern chat apps or mobile networks, communication requires a return to traditional, direct connection. “We can’t just call each other on our mobile phones, either. Sydney and Canberra teams communicate via a landline.”

Far from hindering the team, this forced disconnection fosters a vibrant, unique energy. It strips away the digital noise, leaving raw journalism, real-time conversation, and a deep reliance on the talent in the room.

Racing the 7:30pm clock

When you are breaking down complex national economic policy, a six-hour window disappears in a flash. The official papers are released onto a secure computer system at 1:30pm, triggering an immediate, exhilarating race against time.

Jordan reflects that the six hour window flashes by. “From that point we’re reading the papers; holding a news conference on speaker phone, to get an analysis from our key experts; and then writing, editing and producing stories.”

The atmosphere during these hours is charged, but the sheer significance of the stories keeps morale and focus incredibly sharp. For Jordan, drawing strength from a highly capable team is what makes managing the intense pressure so rewarding.

“It’s fascinating, so it’s easy to focus. Deadlines also have a way of focusing one’s attention.”

The ultimate landscape to make your mark

For those looking to build a meaningful career, participating in a major event like the budget lock-up is a masterclass in professional growth. It is an environment that tests speed, accuracy, and collaborative skills in ways few other media organisations can match.

Knowing that such a sizable audience of Australians is waiting to access the site the second the embargo lifts adds a thrilling sense of purpose to the work for Jordan and her teams. It reinforces Nine’s position as a place where you are directly connected to stories that shape the nation.

“At Nine, we are proud to foster a culture where curiosity, preparation, and a dedication to excellence come together,” says Jordan. For those ready to embrace big opportunities, work alongside industry-leading talent, and deliver high-impact journalism, the budget lock-up shows Nine’s editorial team at its absolute best.