Labor pledges support to safeguard regional newspapers

NSW Labor has announced a $9 million plan to safeguard regional newspapers across the state.

If elected in March, Labor has committed an additional $3 million in government advertising for regional print media.

The announcement follows extensive lobbying by the state’s peak newspaper body, Country Press NSW, for the state government to increase important messaging to residents in regional communities through advertisements in local newspapers.

Country Press NSW and its members, including The Courier, are not seeking the government to spend additional funds, however, have encouraged both major parties to use some of the existing advertising spend that is currently assigned to social media and other platforms.

Labor has also matched a commitment by the current Coalition government on a $3 million Regional Media Fund.

Country Press NSW president Lucie Peart, proprietor of newspapers in the Central West, said the organisation was grateful that NSW Labor leader Chris Minns and his team are engaging in an ongoing dialogue with independent news publishers in NSW.

“We also welcome the commitment of the current Regional Media Fund and Labor’s plan to extend that fund for a second year,” she said.

“Recent media commentary suggests that newspapers are ‘in peril’, however, it is the opposite experience of independently run newspapers in the state.

“Our member papers are strong and resilient publications, well supported by their communities. Many have, during the COVID years, expanded their businesses, offered more to their readers, and have created digital presences.

“That being said, currently, the state’s regional independent newspapers are receiving less than one per cent of the advertising budget, despite there being a 26 per cent allocation for all regional advertising.

“This is also despite many publishers being the only source of locally produced news in their communities. We would like to work with the next term of government to further deliver a more sustainable outcome for publishers through a proper advertising program for local newspapers.

“This in turn, would represent a better outcome for regional NSW residents, who are currently being overlooked for important information and locally held events, that the government should be conveying through local newspapers.

“Country Press NSW looks forward to continuing our positive engagement with NSW Labor on this issue, and we thank them for their commitment to change.”

Shadow Minister for Regional NSW Mick Veitch described the announcement as important from a party which understands the importance of independent and community media in regional communities.

“While the Nationals tout having a regional advertising fund, the fact is our local papers are not getting their fair share. This policy will ensure they do,” he said.

“These are trusted media outlets with deep roots in our communities, I’m proud to be a member of a party who are safeguarding the future of regional news and stories.”