Two of Australia's peak bodies representing local and regional news publishers say that whoever takes government needs to put their money where their mouths are.

Country Press Australia has drawn attention to what many see as a disconnect between what politicians intend and what actually happens when government advertising budgets are allocated.

“Government spends $450M+ on ads. Almost none to regional papers," the CPA said on social media on Wednesday 28 April.

"Let’s rethink how taxpayer dollars support public interest media. We call for 20% of ad budgets to be directed to regional and local outlets"

This view has been reinforced by recent independent research and touted by other representatives of Australia's independent media.

LINA (Local Independent News Association), an organisation which supports digital, hyper-local and independent publishers, says small news organisations need the newly elected government to spend with them.

Claire Stuchbery Chief Executive Lina says rewards for these groups isn’t enough for the local content they produce.

‘’The current model is not fit for purpose and compensation has to be better for small independent publishers," she said. ‘’This model is not fit for purpose for them.’’

Country Press NSW President Lucie Peart is urging parties of all persuasions to support media in the Western Plains who continue give voice to our communities.

The Albanese Labor Government through its ‘news map’ did fund country media in December 2024 but many media organisations said it wasn’t enough.

Ms Peart argues that one-off grant programs do not make up for the failure of government agencies to 'buy local' and consider regional audiences when they spend their advertising dollars.

“We are urging the newly elected government to give struggling media organisations more support," she said. "Small businesses in communities in this area are reducing their advertising spend because of cost of living, interest rates and pressures of business.’’

President of Country Press NSW Inc, Lucie Peart (right). IMAGE: ABC News

Both LINA and the Country Press Association commend the government's initiative in their efforts to take a stance, policy-wise, against unfair treatment of news media by global online corporations.

The Public Interest Journalism Initiative (PIJI) has welcomed support from major political parties and key independent members for the strengthening of Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code.

“Public interest journalism ensures a diversity of voices in public discussion and serves as one of the most important mechanisms for accountable and democratic governments. Without it, we risk the erosion of the quality of our most fundamental institutions — executive, judicial, and legislative,” PIJI Chair Professor Allan Fels AO said.

Responses to a PIJI survey on the state of Australian public interest journalism also emphasised much work still needs to be done to strengthen and protect the sector from major threats presented by generative AI, social media giants and potential US trade sanctions.

The News Media Bargaining Code, which previously saw major companies like Google and Meta pay Australian news media for content, has been described by Big Tech as a “coercive and discriminatory” tax.

These companies have complained to US authorities, with their framing of the code as an unfair financial burden sparking concern of triggering trade sanctions.

LINA Executive Director, Claire Stuchbery. IMAGE SUPPLIED.

In response to PIJI’s survey, Labor stood by the code, along with its funding commitments towards the ABC, AAP and News Media Assistance Program.

Acknowledging local news reporting as the lifeblood of Australian communities, Labor reiterated its existing policy position on public interest journalism but cautioned too much intervention could risk government overreach.

The Greens focused on the need for diverse media ownership and accountability, and committed to locking in the restoration of full funding to the ABC via legislation.

Independents Monique Ryan, Andrew Wilkie and Tammy Tyrrell were supportive of the government's current funding commitments to support Australian public interest journalism, but warned more must be done to prevent smaller players in news media from being left behind.

[Editor's note: The Western Plains App is a member of LINA.]