The federal government’s early release of funding to support small and regional publishers during the coronavirus pandemic has been labelled “wholly inadequate” by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA).
Shortly after nation-wide lockdowns were put in place, publishers announced they would cut staff and in some cases close newspapers temporarily as brands pulled their advertising.
In response, the government is fast-tracking the release of $5 million from the Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund, a multi-year $48 million fund, to support public interest journalism during the crisis.
More organisations will be eligible to apply for this round of funding, including regional and metropolitan publishers, as well as content service providers.
“Following extensive consultation, I have adjusted the fund so that money is available as quickly as possible to help publishers keep journalists in jobs and local communities informed,” says MP Paul Fletcher, minister for communications, cyber safety and the arts.
“Many media organisations, particularly those in regional areas, are facing significant financial strain due to the community’s necessary response to COVID-19. As we face these unprecedented challenges together, the media’s role in producing quality news and providing Australians with timely and accurate information is crucial. This provides critical support at a time it’s needed most.”
Last month, Mildura’s Sunraysia Daily, the only daily newspaper in the region, shut indefinitely, standing down all staff. It was joined by Victoria’s Yarram Standard and the Great Southern Star which also closed indefinitely as advertising revenue dried up.
Marcus Strom, the federal president of the media section of the MEAA, says more money from the $48 million fund must be released.
“Aside from the miserly level of funding, there is still no process for applying for these funds – the Government says the funding guidelines will be available in coming days. But regional media outlets began shutting down last week; they need support now,” Strom says.
“They provide an essential service to their communities because big city media can’t focus on their localised issues. MEAA is concerned that by the time the regional publishers come to grips with the application process, deal with the red tape and find out if they are successful, it will be too little too late.”
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