Grants to support regional and local newspapers now open

Applications for the Albanese Government’s $15 million Regional and Local Newspaper Publishers Program open today, Monday 1 August 2022, via the GrantConnect website.

The program will deliver on Labor’s commitment to support eligible print publishers by helping them absorb newsprint price increases, which threaten the sustainability of newspapers and journalism jobs across Australia.

Under the program, $10 million is available for eligible regional newspaper publishers, and $5 million for eligible 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.

Local newspapers are vital to a range of communities across Australia, with many Australians relying on them to stay informed and connected.

The Albanese Government will support local news and local journalism jobs.

Applications will be open for 3 weeks from 9am AEST Monday 1 August 2022 until 5pm AEST Friday 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-local-newspaper-publishers-program

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



"Local news is critical to regional communities across Australia" 



“First Nations and multicultural media also play an important role in connecting communities.

 

“The Albanese Government is committed to supporting the regional and local print newspaper industry to avoid a catastrophic loss of local papers as a result of significant price increases in newsprint that kicked in on 1 July this year.

 

“That’s why we moved quickly to finalise the grant guidelines and open applications, so that funding can flow to where it’s needed most as soon as possible.”



MEDIA CONTACT: ARLEY BLACK

E: Arley.Black@mo.communications.gov.au