THE state government has pledged an additional $3 million to support regional and rural newspapers in New South Wales.<\/p>\n
This funding brings the total commitment to $6 million since the election.Minister for regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the government recognises the importance of local newspapers.<\/p>\n
“The Minns Labor Government understands the importance of local papers and local stories particularly in regional communities,” Moriarty said.<\/p>\n
“It is regional and rural papers that help get local issues on the agenda that would otherwise fall through the cracks.<\/p>\n
“We understand complex barriers face these outlets, including the rise of technology.<\/p>\n
“This funding is about providing responsible support which will ease the pressure facing regional media.”<\/p>\n
The announcement was made at the Country Press NSW Conference and Awards of Excellence in Dubbo.<\/p>\n
The grants will help local newspapers meet rising costs for production, operations, and content creation.<\/p>\n
The first round of the Regional Media Fund, which closed in April 2023, provided grants to 47 newspapers to assist with digital expansion.<\/p>\n
Country Press NSW president Lucie Peart said the funding arrives at a crucial time for regional newsrooms, which are facing significant challenges.<\/p>\n
“This second round was a key piece of the government\u2019s election commitment,” Peart said.<\/p>\n
“We are grateful that this round will provide further support to regional publishers.<\/p>\n
“Since the first round of the fund, the landscape for regional news businesses has changed; we are challenged by digital platforms and a further decline in newsrooms across the state.<\/p>\n
“This second round of funding will provide a boost to the regional news industry and allow journalists and local newspaper publishers to keep doing what they do best – keeping communities informed and providing vital public interest journalism.”<\/p>\n
Applications for the new funding round are expected to open before the end of the year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE state government has pledged an additional $3 million to support regional and rural newspapers in New South Wales. This funding brings the total commitment to $6 million since the election.Minister for regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the government recognises the importance of local newspapers. “The Minns Labor Government understands the importance of local papers […]<\/p>\n