Jordan Baker, chief reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald, has established herself as Australia’s preeminent education journalist while branching into sports analysis and media criticism. Her work combines policy expertise with narrative flair, particularly when examining:
Baker seeks stories with:
"Great journalism doesn’t just report events—it illuminates systems."
Jordan Baker has carved a distinguished career as a chief reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald, blending rigorous investigative journalism with a nuanced understanding of Australia’s education landscape. Over the years, her work has expanded to encompass entertainment and media analysis, reflecting her adaptability and curiosity. We trace her journey through three pivotal phases:
Baker’s foundational work focused on dissecting Australia’s education system. She scrutinized curriculum changes, funding disparities, and the integration of technology in classrooms, earning recognition for her ability to translate complex policy debates into accessible narratives. A 2023 series on pandemic-era learning gaps prompted statewide discussions about teacher retention and student mental health.
By 2024, Baker began covering high-profile court cases and major sporting events, including her gripping account of the Lilie James inquest and the NRL’s Las Vegas launch. These pieces showcased her versatility in weaving human drama with structural analysis.
Recently, Baker has turned her lens toward the evolving media landscape, exploring challenges like misinformation and the ethical implications of AI in newsrooms. Her 2025 investigation into algorithmic bias in education reporting sparked industry-wide conversations about accountability.
This chilling 2025 courtroom report combined forensic detail with emotional sensitivity. Baker reconstructed the timeline of the St Andrew’s Cathedral School tragedy through security footage analysis, witness testimonies, and expert interviews. The article’s impact extended beyond true-crime circles, prompting schools nationwide to re-evaluate campus security protocols.
Baker’s 2024 sports journalism masterpiece captured the cultural collision of Australian rugby’s American expansion. Through vivid descriptions of police-escorted media buses and casino-sponsored halftime shows, she examined the NRL’s global ambitions while questioning the commercialization of sport.
This 2023 deep dive into edtech adoption revealed how Australian schools balanced innovation with privacy concerns. Baker interviewed 50+ educators to create a national snapshot of classroom tech integration, influencing state-level digital literacy initiatives.
Baker prioritizes stories about measurable policy impacts. Pitch longitudinal studies showing how curriculum changes affect student outcomes, or case studies of schools successfully implementing AI-assisted learning. Avoid theoretical discussions without real-world applications.
Seek stories that use sporting events as lenses for broader societal issues. Examples could include athlete advocacy programs or the economics of international league expansions. Baker’s NRL coverage demonstrates her interest in sports’ cultural ripple effects.
Propose investigations into newsroom AI tools, fact-checking collaborations between outlets, or grassroots efforts to combat misinformation. Baker’s recent work shows particular interest in solutions-oriented approaches to media challenges.
While specific accolades aren’t publicly documented, Baker’s influence is evident through her consistent front-page placements and frequent citations in parliamentary debates. Her education reporting has been incorporated into university journalism curricula as exemplars of policy journalism.
