AAP launches news app and subscription service

AAP has launched an app and subscription service to the public in a bid to reduce dependence on government funding and create more avenues of making money.

At $10 a month subscribers will have access to breaking news from national, state and sports. 

Lisa Davies, who was appointed AAP chief executive officer in January, told the Sydney Morning Herald that this will be the first time the service will go out to the public.

She added the creation of the app also shows its philanthropists, who saved the news organisation from being closed two years ago, and supporters how their money is being invested.

"We need to broaden our appeal and deliver both our subscribers and supporters independent journalism that we do in the most effective and innovative way possible," she said.

"It’s also fair to say we need to explore new revenue models and this product could help us grow the service we provide by improving our brand awareness and encouraging more philanthropic and commercial support.

She added: "We've spoken to all of our major clients who have expressed little or no concern about us doing this, they understand that AAP is a valuable service and provides them with unparalleled coverage that they simply can't get anywhere else."

AAP joins the likes of newswires AP and Reuters who have a news app, however they do not require a paid subscription.

Davies explained that while general public subscriptions is not a traditional source of revenue for newswires, it enhances their digital presence.

She also noted that their major clients have "little or no concern" about new venture with the app and understand that they are a valuable service with exceptional reportage.

"This is in no way a competition to any other media outlet. What it does is underpin the bespoke content that our clients deliver to their audiences. There’s no way someone would give up their local news subscription or stop listening to their regional radio station because they have decided they would like to support AAP," she said.

Davies also told the publication that AAP now has a sense of stability and have exceeded the expectations of philanthropic support.