Regional publishers have received a vote of confidence from the NSW Labor Government in the budget announcement on Tuesday 19 September, that a further $6 million will be allocated towards keeping country communities well-informed.

The announcement acknowledges the current role of newspapers in regional areas and also incentivises innovation and training in the digital media space.

Three million dollars will be directed towards advertising government programs and policies in regional and community print media outlets, spread out over three years.

“Newspapers remain a trusted source of local news and information for people living in towns right across regional NSW,” said NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Mr Jihad Dib.

“By supporting advertising in regional print publications, the NSW Government is making sure regional audiences are aware of relevant programs and support, like grants and rebates available to them, bush fire readiness reminders, and updates on local infrastructure.”

The Minns Government has also upped the ante on the Regional Media Fund - a competitive grant program created by the former coalition government.

As a part of last week’s budget announcement, the Labor Government will double their allocation to $6 million dollars to fund a second round of grants which will “open soon” according to the NSW Government’s website.

“We acknowledge the difficulties faced by regional newsrooms around NSW. This additional funding injection will support the vital work they do in providing the news regional residents need.”

The Country Press Association has been working with state and federal governments to address the reduction in paid government advertising directed to regional media and, in particular, independent locally-owned publishers in country towns.

NSW Country Press Association President Lucie Peart, who is based in Gilgandra, welcomed Tuesday’s announcement as a critical first step in a partnership to keep country communities informed about government activities and policies that affect them.

“We thank the government for the commitment and look forward to working with them,” said Ms Peart.

“It continues to be our priority to promote regional print advertising long term, not just for this government’s tenure.”