The Federal Government’s News MAP funding package, announced in December 2024, remains untouched – not a single cent has been spent to support struggling independent media.

When PIJI was invited for a briefing recently, it became painfully clear that the first tranche of the package, possibly opening for applications in November, offers little hope for small, largely volunteer-run publications. These grassroots outlets, which provide essential public interest journalism, are effectively excluded.

Policymakers indicated a second tranche of about $33 million is expected early next year, but the program – meant to foster “innovation” – is still in limbo.

This delays vital assistance by at least 18 months, a crippling timeline for small publications already battling shrinking resources and readership. Many will have shuttered by the time the second tranche opens.

News MAP is run within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts whose purpose, stated at the bottom of all email communications, is ‘Connecting Australians •  Enriching Communities •  Empowering Regions’.

The delay in implementing News MAP is more than just a funding failure; it endangers social cohesion and democracy, especially in regional communities facing an expanding news desert.

Without these local voices, the public loses scrutiny of power, informed debate and the representation of diverse perspectives.

– Alex Cramb, PIJI CEO