PIJI spent the year delving into some of the biggest issues plaguing public interest journalism and getting insight from people across the industry on the work being done to keep news a constant, trustworthy resource.
In case you missed any updates, or fancy a reread, here are PIJI’s top 10 most-clicked pieces from 2025.
1. First step towards News Bargaining Incentive
Nearing two years after Meta walked away from commercial deals with news publishers, the government is attempting to strengthen the News Media Bargaining Code.
2. News MAP launch welcomed, but room for improvement remains
The launch of the first of two rounds of grants is a welcome sign of relief to come – but some industry players say it still falls short of the support needed for the pursuit of sustainability and media diversity.
3. Free newswires supporting diverse and sustainable journalism
Newswires can be essential to keep up with the 24/7 news cycle, and some are trying to level the industry’s playing field through open-licensed content.
4. Allan Fels: The future of the Media Bargaining Code in the new parliament
As the dust settles from the federal election, it is incumbent on the government to stand firm in its commitment to reform the news landscape by holding tech platforms to account and providing greater support for smaller, independent and regional publishers.
5. How a community resuscitated local news in Victoria’s South Gippsland
When a century-old local paper printed its final edition, South Gippsland locals took action rather than stoically succumb to the steady decline of local news.
6. Support for News Media Bargaining Code remains strong – but swift action urged
Canada’s last-minute decision to rescind its digital services tax in response to US trade pressure does not signal doom for Australia’s efforts to get tech giants to the bargaining table with local news publishers.
7. The Orange News Examiner battled the digital ad vacuum – and lost
To rewrite a popular adage, ‘build an audience, and advertisers will come’; in the current digital era, that dream is hard to make reality for news startups, as Peter Holmes found out the hard way.
8. ‘Where is it?’: Progress urged for News MAP and News Bargaining Incentive
As the year nears its end, Australia still awaits movement on promised government measures intended to support a sustainable public interest journalism sector.
9. LINA back from the brink after News MAP delays
A last-minute lifeline thrown by the federal government has kept the doors from shutting on one of Australia’s most active supporters of small news publishers.
10. Stalling tactics and costly tantrums: Latest in international push for news-digital media deals
From major triumphs to muted efforts, here are some of the biggest international developments in news media bargaining agreements over the past 12 months.
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Written by Sezen Bakan