Rural Press Pty Limited (Australian Community Media) has been awarded more than $10.4 million under the Federal Government’s $50 million Public Interest News Gathering (PING) program, providing much-needed support to 91 regional media outlets at a time it is needed most.
Nationals Senator for New South Wales Perin Davey knows how vital local newspapers are to regional towns.
“As a former regional journalist, I know how important it is to produce local news and tell local stories that matter to the community.” Senator Davey said.
“Local newspapers are the cornerstone of regionals towns and help promote local initiatives and not-for-profit organisations.”
“The network of ACM papers delivers important public interest journalism, keeping our regional and remote communities informed and connected.”
“I’m proud the Nationals in Government can help provide funding to these mastheads, the funding will help with staff wages, training and technology upgrades.
“This also brings stability for local journalists, ensuring they can continue their important work with the certainty that their organisation’s bottom-line has been bolstered by the Federal
Government.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of The Nationals Michael McCormack said this was the largest grant awarded under the Program’s publishing stream, with more than 100 grant
agreements now executed.
“This money will support news gathering in regional communities, ensuring local content will continue to be written by local journalists,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Local news matters because local stories matter and as a former regional newspaper editor, I know the importance of Australian Community Media’s network of outlets – that’s why we are
backing 91 of them with a more than $10 million investment.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates what the Liberals and Nationals in Government can achieve for our regions.”