Local news and community broadcasting is at the core of a $180 million media funding package that includes support for national newswire Australian Associated Press.
The Albanese government overnight revealed plans of its News Media Assistance Program, known as News Map, which plots a path for services considered critical to Australian democracy.
The four-year program is designed to support media sustainability in a contracting market, with an expert advisory panel to guide its rollout, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said.
“Local news and community broadcasting is at the heart of local communities and makes a vital contribution to national identity and media diversity,” the minister said in a statement.
Key measures include $116.7 million across four years to help build the sustainability and capacity of news organisations as they deliver public-interest journalism.
Another $3.8 million will fund Australia’s first National Media Literacy Strategy, co-designed with the education and media literacy sectors.
Australian Associated Press will receive $33 million across three years, with the minister saying the funding recognised the newswire’s “important role in supporting media diversity and providing high-quality news”.
The not-for-profit newswire’s CEO Lisa Davies welcomed the support.
“As Australia’s only independent national newswire service, AAP is essential democratic infrastructure,” she said.
“This grant will ensure AAP can continue its crucial role of providing trusted, impartial public-interest journalism to support a diverse media landscape in Australia.”
The government has also set aside $3 million annually for regional newspaper advertising from 2025-26, providing a revenue boost for regional outlets.
Community broadcasters will receive an additional $27 million, with $15 million allocated to the Community Broadcasting Program and $12 million for the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Program, supporting more than 450 stations.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said First Nations media played a crucial role in connecting and representing communities.
“First nations journalists, broadcasters and media are a vital part of Australia’s media landscape,” Senator McCarthy said.
“They help connect, represent and tell the stories of our communities across the country.”
The package builds on previous commitments including $15 million for the News Media Relief Program and $10.5 million for the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s Diversity Measurement Framework.
By Emily Verdouw in Canberra
