Support for regional news expanded through new funding

REGIONAL and community news organisations across the country will receive a much-needed boost with new funding announced by both federal and state governments, aimed at addressing the significant challenges facing local media outlets.

The Federal Government has launched a $15 million News Media Relief Program (NMRP), set to open in November, providing grants to regional, independent suburban, multicultural, and First Nations news publishers.

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said local and community news outlets play a huge role in supporting a diverse and inclusive news media sector that is 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,” Rowland said.

The $15 million federal fund will be distributed through a demand-driven process, offering grants of $13,000 per full-time journalist producing core news content, with funding required to be used within the 2024-25 financial year.

Country Press Australia President Andrew Schreyer welcomed the federal funding, crediting CPA’s persistent efforts in pushing for urgent support.

“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,” Schreyer said.

“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.”

In addition to federal support, the New South Wales government has committed an extra $3 million to support regional and rural newspapers, bringing the state’s total contribution to $6 million since the Minns Labor Government took office.

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 and local stories particularly in regional communities,” Moriarty said.

“It is regional and rural papers that help get local issues on the agenda that would otherwise fall through the cracks.”

“This funding is about providing responsible support which will ease the pressure facing regional media.”

The state’s new funding was announced at the Country Press NSW Conference and Awards of Excellence in Dubbo.

The grants will help regional newspapers manage the rising costs of production, operations, and content creation.

Country Press NSW president Lucie Peart said the additional support arrives at a crucial time for regional newsrooms, which are facing significant challenges.

“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,” Peart said.