The Public Interest Journalism Initiative (PIJI) welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement of $180.5M investment into local news and community broadcasting over the next four years, under the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP).
PIJI has long been calling for a two-speed approach from Government to ensure sector sustainability in the short term, and sector transformation in the long term.
“More than ever, public interest journalism requires different types of investment and innovation to thrive and grow at all levels – and not just survive. Without it, we lose one of the strongest antidotes to fast rising mis- and disinformation” explains PIJI CEO Anna Draffin.
“Local news accounts for 88% of Australia’s total 1,226 news outlets operating across print, digital, radio and television. And we have seen time and time again through the global pandemic and natural disasters, the importance of local news” Draffin continues.
“However over the last five years, we have also seen persistent market volatility with over 500 changes, including 183 news outlet closures. Australia now has 27 local government areas without any local digital or print news. Deliberative action is needed to reverse this decline. ”
“In particular, we are pleased to see the use of an evidence-based approach and four year $116.7M commitment to capacity building and support of local news. But it is critical that there is no delay. Sector transformation will take time and as PIJI’s data has shown, local news outlets need support now to safeguard public interest news in our communities while those necessary structural changes proceed.”
“The multi-year $15M commitment to community broadcasting, $12M to First Nations media and $33M to the not-for-profit news-wire, AAP recognises the importance of providing support across Australia’s local news ecosystem.”
“And we therefore also encourage Government on the development of a not-for-profit news market in Australia and a specialist tax rebate, both designed specifically to maximise public benefit through innovating business models and incentivizing commercial and philanthropic investment.”