Michael James Stedman

Michael James Stedman (born 03 February 1985) is the current political reporter at the Mercury newspaper, a News Limited publication based in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

Born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Stedman spent most of his childhood and teenage years in Mole Creek, a small rural community, one hour drive from Launceston, Tasmania.

Stedman attended Mole Creek Primary School and then moved onto Deloraine High School. Stedman completed his post year 10 education at Newstead College in Launceston.

Stedman had early aspirations of becoming a journalist, claiming during his childhood that he wanted to be "just like Ray Martin" and "just as awesome as Laurie Oakes". During his time at Deloraine High, Stedman completed his work experience week at the North-West Coast regional newspaper The Advocate. This is where he met prominent Tasmanian newspaper, radio and television journalist Damien Brown. Their friendship was rekindled in 2008 when Brown left television and radio network Southern Cross Television just before the company's takeover by Macquarie Bank and joined the Mercury.

Stedman was offered a cadetship with the Launceston based newspaper The Examiner in 2002. He was initially based in Launceston before being transferred to the political round in Hobart in 2003.

Stedman was then courted by Southern Cross Television in 2007 turning down a lucritive state political reporter role with the broadcaster. He refused the offer instead taking up an offer to join News Limited.

Stedman was first thrust into the role of chief reporter of the Mercury's sister publication The Sunday Tasmanian. He remained in that role until he was moved to the political reporter role in 2008.

Stedman works alongside Chief Reporter Sue Neales and fellow political reporter Brown.