$15 million relief fund announced for regional news publishers

THE Federal Government has announced a $15 million relief fund to support regional and community news organisations after extensive lobbying from Country Press Australia (CPA) and other stakeholders.

The News Media Relief Program (NMRP) will open in November and will provide grants to eligible regional, independent suburban, multicultural, and First Nations news publishers.

Country Press Australia President Andrew Schreyer welcomed the 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.

He noted the difficult year faced by local news publishers due to rising printing costs, a tough advertising market, and Meta’s decision not to renew agreements with Australian publishers.

“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,” Mr Schreyer said.

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,” Ms Rowland said.

“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.”

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

Further details of the News Media Relief Program will be announced in the coming weeks, and Schreyer urged eligible publishers to act quickly once applications open.

“CPA will continue advocating for more sustainable support to ensure our members can maintain their role as a fundamental piece of democratic infrastructure,” Mr Schreyer said.