Smaller news publishers get federal assistance to safeguard their existence

The Albanese government has committed a total of $180.5m to help fund smaller publishers as part of its pledge to sustain the local news and community broadcasting industries.

News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller. Picture: Gaye Gerard

The Albanese government has committed a total of $180.5m to help fund smaller publishers as part of its pledge to sustain the local news and community broadcasting industries.

Four days after federal Labor unveiled its News Bargaining Incentive – a policy proposal that aims to compel digital giants including Alphabet (parent company of Google), Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram and Whats­App) and ByteDance (TikTok) to enter deals with Australian news publishers – the government moved to protect the future of the industry’s smaller players.

Under the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP), announced on Sunday, it will commit to boosting the sustainability and capacity of smaller organisations.

“The News MAP builds on the Albanese government’s support for a strong, diverse and independent media sector with a new policy framework and range of new measures to support news and public interest journalism,” 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 in Australia.”

A new expert advisory panel will be established to provide guidance on the design and targeting of mechanisms to support sustainability and capacity building, including how best to attract philanthropy.

As part of the overall funding package, $116.7m over four years will be set aside to help smaller news organisations deliver public interest journalism and local news vital to Australian communities.

The Australian Associated Press news wire service will receive $33m over three years.

News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller said: “The government’s announcement of the News MAP funding for smaller publishers is most welcomed and recognises that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to addressing the issues facing Australia’s news media sector.

“Opportunities for smaller publishers through News MAP will provide urgently needed support.”

Mr Miller described the federal government’s News Bargaining Incentive as a “step in the right direction”.

The News Corp boss said the government had “stepped up to the plate” when it came to social media reform.

“The package of … initiatives aimed at social media, which now include restricting under-16s from accessing social media, moves to take on online scams and a new ex-ante competition framework, shows the government is prepared to be a leader in setting the rules and expectations for how big tech should operate in our society,” Mr Miller said.