Albanese Government launches $180.5 million News Media Assistance Program

The Albanese Government has unveiled a landmark $180.5 million investment aimed at bolstering local news and community broadcasting in Australia. The initiative, announced on Sunday, includes the launch of the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP) and additional funding for community broadcasting, marking a significant step toward sustaining a diverse and resilient media sector.

Supporting public interest journalism

The Government will invest $153.5 million over four years to implement the News MAP, which is underpinned by a policy framework informed by extensive public and industry consultation. Key measures include:

• A new policy framework: Designed to guide government interventions and ensure sustainability for public interest journalism.

• Expert advisory panel: Tasked with advising on targeted mechanisms to build capacity and attract philanthropic support for news organisations.

• Funding for AAP Newswire: $33 million over three years to support the Australian Associated Press, recognising its crucial role in fostering media diversity.

• Capacity building: $116.7 million over four years to strengthen news organisations’ ability to deliver local and public interest journalism.

• Media literacy strategy: $3.8 million over three years to develop Australia’s first National Media Literacy Strategy, aimed at helping Australians critically engage with media.
Additionally, the Government will require a minimum commitment of $3 million annually for regional newspaper advertising from its total media advertising spend in 2025–26 and 2026–27.

Urgent support for regional and diverse media

The News MAP complements $15 million already announced for the News Media Relief Program, providing urgent support for regional, suburban, multicultural, and First Nations news publishers. It also builds on the $10.5 million allocated to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for the implementation of the Media Diversity Measurement Framework.

The Government will allocate an extra $27 million to support Australia’s community broadcasting sector, with funding divided into:

• Community Broadcasting Program (CBP): $15 million to support over 450 community broadcasters, including $3 million for community television.

• Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Program (IBMP): $12 million to back First Nations broadcasters and media organisations.

This funding comes as the Government collaborates with the sector on the Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review, which aims to ensure the long-term viability of community broadcasting services.

Minister for communications Michelle Rowland highlighted the importance of local media in fostering democracy and social cohesion.

“Local news and community broadcasting are at the heart of communities and make a vital contribution to national identity and media diversity in Australia,” she said.

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians, emphasised the role of First Nations media in connecting and representing communities.

“First Nations journalists, broadcasters, and media are a vital part of Australia’s media landscape,” she added. “The $12 million investment through the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Program recognises and supports their important work.”

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