Community & Business
22 October, 2024
Country Press Australia welcomes $15M relief fund
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland, has announced a relief fund for regional publishers
The federal government has announced a $15M relief fund for regional and community news organisations, following an extensive campaign by Country Press Australia and other regional stakeholders for greater support and recognition for publishers of place-based public interest journalism.
The News Media Relief Program (NMRP) is expected to open in November and will provide grants to eligible regional, independent suburban, multicultural and First Nations news publishers.
Country Press Australia president and Warragul & Drouin Gazette publisher, Andrew Schreyer, welcomed the announcement by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland and paid tribute to CPA members who had been part of an extensive campaign for urgent support for the industry.
“The announcement is a direct result of an extended and consistent lobbying effort by a Country Press Australia delegation, and the CPA board would like to thank members for their own lobbying efforts, whether it was by sending newspapers to politicians in Canberra or writing letters and speaking with their local federal members.
“This contribution is much appreciated and has really made a difference. The idea of the fund was first raised with Minister Rowland by CPA in mid-December 2023 and has been announced after six visits to Canberra, countless letters to various MPs on all sides of politics, numerous submissions and almost weekly phone calls and texts to plead the case of CPA members.”
Mr Schreyer said the announcement of the News Media Relief Program showed the government recognises the importance of local journalism, and that the program aimed to directly support publishers producing local journalism on the matters important to their communities.
“It has been a challenging year for the industry - increased printing and operational costs, a tough advertising market and Meta’s decision to not renew agreements with Australian publishers have all weighed heavily,” he said.
“It’s pleasing to note that the government understands that local news is essential to social cohesion and a well-functioning democracy, and this program will help our members keep supporting their communities with the essential local public interest journalism that helps them make informed decisions.”
He said more details on the the News Media Relief Program would be released in coming weeks.
“And equally, CPA will continue to advocate for more sustainable solutions to the challenges our industry faces and for support that recognises the vital roles our members play as a fundamental piece of democratic infrastructure in the communities they serve.”
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP said “Local and community news outlets play a huge role in supporting a diverse and inclusive news media sector that is so vital to the healthy functioning of Australian society and democracy.
"We want to see more local journalists and publishers reporting on the issues that matter to their communities.
“This funding will provide the urgent assistance local news outlets need as we continue our work on News MAP – an ongoing program that will enable us to deliver effective support to the Australian news sector into the future.”
