 | |
| Type | Monthlymagazine |
|---|---|
| Format | Tabloid andonline |
| Owner | Out Publications (since 20 June 2019) |
| Publisher | Out Publications |
| Staff writers | 2 |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Language | English |
| Headquarters | Ultimo, NSW, Australia |
| Circulation | 20,000 (June 2021) |
| ISSN | 0819-5129 |
| OCLC number | 26727666 |
| Website | www |
TheStar Observer is a freemonthly magazine andonline newspaper that caters to thelesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender andintersex communities inAustralia.[1][2][3]
Since 20 June 2019 theStar Observer has been owned by media company Out Publications.[4][5]
The newspaper was initially published by Michael Glynn as a tabloid in 1979 under the nameThe Sydney Star[6] and is the oldest and largest publication of its kind in Australia.[7] In 1982 the paper changed its name, becomingThe Star (1982–1985), later undergoing several name changes, includingSydney's Star Observer (1986–1987),Sydney Star Observer (1987–2014; 2019 onwards) andStar Observer (2014-2019).
The typical profile of the audience is aged between 23 years and 50 years, with a higher than average income level.[8] With a 2015 auditedcirculation in excess of 15,000 per month, the publishers at that time claimed a readership exceeding 41,000 readers in print and 100,000+ online.[8]
In late 2013, Elias Jahshan was appointed editor; shortly afterwards, the publication ceased being a weekly newspaper and became a monthly magazine.
On 20 June 2019 it was reported that theStar Observer was saved fromvoluntary administration by media company Out Publications.[4][5]
As of April 2024, the Managing Editor is Chloe Sargeant, who manages both the print and digital output of the outlet nationally.[9]
Previous editors have included Corey Sinclair, Andrew M. Potts, Peter Hackney, Shibu Thomas, and Douglas Magaletti.
In mid-2019, Out Publications began a sister publication in Melbourne, the Melbourne Star Observer. Its contents are identical to the Sydney title except that local advertisements are inserted. A homonymous masthead, founded in 1985 by Danny Vadasz of Gay Publications Co-operative Ltd., was in circulation until 2000.[10][11][12]
In hardcopy tabloid format,The Star (as it is commonly known) is published on the third Thursday of each month and is distributed to numerous locations in Sydney and Melbourne.[8] Copies can be found in cafés, libraries, cinemas, theatres, book shops, medical practices and community centres as well as gay and lesbian community outlets such aspubs,nightclubs, gay and lesbian friendly retail shops,gyms andsex on premises venues.
Both the tabloid publication and online version contain local, national, and international coverage related to gay and lesbian news, opinion and lifestyle. Non-specifically gay and lesbian items, such as arts and culture,real estate and technology are also covered. A strong focus of the publication is on community, such as sport, gay and lesbian business events, and opinion.
Each year special publications are produced to celebrateSydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras,Midsumma Festival andMardi Gras Film Festival.
TheStar Observer extensively covered the campaign todecriminalise homosexuality in New South Wales, which was enacted on May 22, 1984 by theParliament of New South Wales.[13][14]
During theAIDS Epidemic, theStar Observer ran in-depth articles concerning public prejudice, medical treatments and insurance claim problems.[15]
TheStar Observer also extensively coveredGay Gang Murders by youths that occurred in Sydney over several decades, including themurder of Scott Johnson, and the murder of Richard Johnson by the 'Alexandria Eight'. Journalist Martyn Goddard, who had replaced Tim Carrigan asStar Observer editor in 1989,[16] covered the story both in theStar, and theSydney Morning Herald.[17][18][19]
The shareholders of the publishing company have never drawn dividends from any profits generated by theStar Observer.[6] Instead, theStar Observer has made donations to support the community through entities such as theAIDS Trust, Victorian AIDS Council, theBobby Goldsmith Foundation andTwenty10 as well as others.[8]