In this month’s edition, we take stock of a bumper round of changes in the Australian News Index; we recap PIJI on the radio discussing how to support local news; and we showcase three feature articles that take a deep dive into local news offerings out in the regions.
May report released
The May edition of the Australian News Data Report notes 139 changes to the Australian News Index over the past month. The majority of these changes can be attributed to three ongoing reviews that PIJI is undertaking: testing news entity data released last month; gathering publication frequency data; and reviewing radio broadcast outlets.
In a further change to the Australian News Index, we are now adding publication schedule information to the database for primary format print news outlets.
View the full changes in the May report, live on our website now.
Features showcase regional news producers
With support from the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund, PIJI commissioned three journalists from around Australia to explore local news in their regions, using our monthly sampling reports as a starting point.
In the first article in our series, journalist Royce Kurmelovs speaks to newsmakers on the Eyre Peninsula to find out why local news is so important, and how it has remained strong in the face of so many challenges.
In the second article, journalist Jodan Perry discovers a community that loves its local news – as well as a gap in news production, which locals are keen to fill.
In the final article, journalist Richard King speaks to news publishers in Fremantle in WA, about media’s power and going up against the major players.
Read all three features on our blog.
PIJI in the news
If you were listening to Radio National late last month, you may have heard a familiar voice. PIJI CEO Anna Draffin was featured on Future Tense to discuss how to strengthen local news.
Listen back to the episode here.
ACMA inquiry open for submissions
The federal government is making moves against mis and disinformation with the release of a new exposure draft of the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2023.
The bill would give the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) powers over digital platform providers to combat the spread of mis and disinformation online.
Feedback on the exposure draft can be provided online.
Thank you to the H&L Hecht Trust
PIJI would like to express its thanks to the H&L Hecht Trust for renewing its support for the 2023/24 year.
If you would like to talk to us about supporting our research, please email us at info@piji.com.au.
PINF joins the news mapping family
The UK’s Public Interest News Foundation has just released the beta version of its new Local News Map, which displays the professional local media outlets in each local area.
Read about global news mapping efforts here.
Industry news
- Germany’s best-selling newspaper Bild looks to replace editors with AI as it cuts jobs.
- The Centralian Today, based in Alice Springs, to launch as a print newspaper and online news service.
- Jury convicts journalists of trespassing.
- Inquiry hears ABC’s international budget should grow in response to China’s information war.
- News Corp boss wants IP protected as AI marches on.
- A history of Australia’s media emperors.
- Locals share their thoughts on the Betoota Advocate.
- Sky News Australia and Nova Entertainment join forces.
- SCA and Ten continue their affiliation.
- Local journalists are burnt out.
- Opposition raises concerns about ACMA misinformation plan.
- Wales takes steps to support local journalism.
- South Gippsland newspaper uses ChatGPT to write for it.
- Advertising boost for Victoria’s multicultural media, while regional media suffers an advertising cut.
- James Packer backs Alan Jones.
- Philanthropic giving to journalism holds steady overseas, while in the UK, a missed opportunity to give journalism charitable status.
- Australia’s last letterpress newspaper closes, and the world’s oldest national newspaper prints its final edition.
- Meta and Google restrict news in Canada.
- Twitter gets a new competitor.
- Mill owner commits to newspapers despite looking to sell Australia’s last newsprint site.
- A new editor starts at news.com.au
- Sky News launches dedicated coverage for the Voice to Parliament.