DAN REPACHOLI MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR HUNTER

   MEDIA RELEASE

Government extends a lifeline to local news in the Hunter

Applications for the Albanese Government’s $15 million Regional and Local Newspaper Publishers Program are now open via the GrantConnect website.

Newsprint price increases, which kicked in on 1 July 2022, threaten local newspapers and journalism jobs across Australia, including right here in the Hunter.

Under this program, eligible newspapers are able to apply for a share in $10 million for regional newspaper
publishers, and $5 million for independent suburban, First Nations and multicultural newspaper publishers.

This is part of a $29 million local news and community broadcasting transition package to help regional, local and community media providers.

Newspapers are an important part of our community, with so many relying on them to stay informed and connected.

After a decade of mismanagement and neglect under the former Liberal National Government, the Albanese
Government will support local news and local journalism jobs.

Applications will be open for 3 weeks from 9am Monday 1 August 2022 until 5pm AEST 19 August 2022.

This is a demand-driven program, with all eligible applicants to receive a grant based on their proportion of print costs. The Department is the final decision maker for grants under this program.

To find out how apply for a grant, visit www.grants.gov.au/

For more information visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/regional-and-localnewspaper-publishers-program

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“The Australian Government is committed to supporting the regional and local print newspaper industry to avoid a catastrophic loss of local papers, which continues to experience significant financial stress due to increased print and operating costs.

“That’s why we moved quickly to open applications after consultation with stakeholders, so that funding can flow to where it’s needed most as soon as possible.”

Quotes attributable to Dan Repacholi MP

“Newspapers are an important part of our community, helping to keep us connected and informed.

“We need our regional media to be able to continue, the Hunter has so many great local newspapers.

“I look forward to working with all of them to ensure they remain part of our community,”