Investigating a sustainable future for public interest journalism

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About

Vision

Purpose

Governance

History

Vision

PIJI is investigating a sustainable future for public interest journalism.

We envisage a sustainable and diverse public interest journalism landscape in Australia. Through our research, we help move Australia towards achieving this vision.

We are guided by the following principles and goals:

To act in the public interest

To ensure plurality of news production and neutrality of support

To be independent, practical, and evidence-based in consideration of any options.

Purpose

PIJI is a non-partisan, specialist think tank that aims to ensure sustainable financial support for, and investment in, public interest journalism across the country.

Our research includes the Australian News Data Project, a first-of-its-kind visualisation illustrating the market volatility affecting Australian news outlets, and especially the impact on regional and rural communities.

Our formation in 2018 came at a time when the Australian news market was being shaken by shrinking revenue and digital disruption.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic took a heavy toll on Australia’s journalism industry with many media outlets altering their publication strategy or shutting their doors for good. The Australian News Data Project tracks these changes, providing an invaluable collection of data on Australia’s news industry.

Our work provides an evidence base to inform practical policy solutions and constructive discourse on the importance of a robust, pluralistic news media, that serves the public interest.

Governance

We’re a philanthropically funded, non-profit company limited by guarantee (ABN 69 630 740 153) and registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

We are governed by a board of independent, voluntary directors with expertise in media, economics, law, public policy, research, philanthropy and business.

The ACNC Registered Charity logo. This is a teal outer circle, with a teal inner circle and a ribbon logo inside that in a gradient of blue and green. Between the two circles is the text "Registered Charity acnc.gov.au/charityregister"

History

Public interest journalism is a public good; it is the accurate, reliable news and journalism at the heart of public discussion, diversity of voice, open justice, accountability and informed decision-making. It educates, inspires and brings together communities.

PIJI is a philanthropically funded, non-profit company limited by guarantee (ABN 69 630 740 153) and registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.