The Albanese Government is backing local news now and into the future, helping newsrooms innovate and keep pace with a rapidly changing media environment.

As part of the News Media Assistance Program, the News Innovation Fund will see $31.5 million awarded to 54 organisations across the country.

This funding will allow news producers to invest in projects and activities that drive production and distribution of core news and foster lasting organisational sustainability.

Initiatives supported will include:

• $1.4 million for Deaf Connect to expand their news service Auslan90, becoming Australia’s first national Auslan-first digital news service, delivering daily bulletins, weekly reporting and live event coverage for the Deaf community.
• $2.2 million for the National Indigenous Times to develop their staffing footprint across over 40 regional and remote local government areas. The expanded network will provide career pathways for indigenous journalism in the regions, while promoting place-based reporting in partnership with community organisations currently in news deserts.
• $2.2 million to Country Press Australia to improve the commercial and digital capacity of more than 100 member publishers. The project will provide newsrooms with crucial training and shared resources to support their adaptation to a changing technological and commercial environment.

The News Innovation Fund is part of the Albanese Government’s $153.5 million investment in the News Media Assistance Program to support public interest journalism and media diversity.

All applications were independently assessed on merit and awarded by the Business Grants Hub.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:

“Journalism is an essential part of Australia’s democracy. We need more people telling Australian stories, which is why the Albanese Government is backing a strong and sustainable media sector.

“The news and media sector is evolving at a rapid pace and publishers need support to be able to innovate, adapt and continue delivering the news their communities rely on.

“The Albanese Government’s $31.5 million News Innovation Fund helps media organisations expand their reach, generate new revenue streams and build their capability and sustainability in areas that need it most."

Quotes attributable to grant recipient Community Broadcasting Association of Australia CEO, Jon Bisset:

“The main reason people tune in to over 450 community radio stations is for local news and information, from local voices covering the issues that matter on the high street - emergencies, weather and traffic, council updates, local developments, community events, arts and sport. But these stories are only heard once when broadcast on-air.

“This grant will benefit communities starved of local news by expanding our journalism to underrepresented communities and making these stories available online to view and listen when audiences need it most.”