New grants supporting journalism to keep Australians informed
The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to bolster public interest journalism with applications now open for the $15 million News Media Relief Program (NMRP).
The NMRP will provide eligible regional, independent, suburban, multicultural and First Nations news publishers creating online news content with grants of $13,000 per FTE journalist.
The program is delivering critical support to a sector that is facing considerable challenges such as changing readership habits, increasing costs and a decline in advertising revenue.
Grants are open to eligible news publishers with the primary purpose of publishing core news content.
Local news outlets play an important role in keeping Australians informed on matters and events that impact them.
This program will provide the urgent support needed for these outlets to keep serving their communities.
The NMRP forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to promote media diversity and public interest journalism in Australia through the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP).
This is a demand driven grant opportunity, so grants will be made to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted.
Applications will close on 31 March if funding is not exhausted before this date.
To apply for the News Media Relief Program visit: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/news-media-relief-program
For more information on News MAP, visit: News Media Assistance Program (News MAP) | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“The Albanese Government is backing journalism that keeps our local communities informed about the issues that matter to them.
“Local and community news outlets play a critical role in supporting our diverse media sector and we know they’re facing significant financial pressures.
“That’s why we’re delivering $15 million in urgent support through the News Media Relief Program – assisting regional, suburban, First Nations and multicultural outlets and journalists to continue delivering news to their communities.”