Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell is encouraging print publications to apply for a grant through the Federal Government’s $15 million Regional and Local Newspaper Publishers Program.
Newsprint price increases this year have threatened local newspapers and journalism jobs across Australia, including McEwen.
Under the 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, helping to keep us connected and informed,” Mr Mitchell said
Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said the government was committed to supporting the regional and local print newspaper industry to avoid a catastrophic loss of local papers.
Newspapers continue 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,” she said.
Applications close on Friday for the demand-driven program, with all eligible applicants to receive a grant based on their proportion of print costs. The Department of Communications is the final decision maker for grants under the program.
