FINDINGS from an inquiry into the future of regional newspapers have been release with 12 recommendations to secure the long-term viability of community news.
These recommendations include considering the viability of a tax rebate for regional news businesses
and the development of a targeted grants program aimed at small, independent newspapers based in
regional and remote Australian communities.
The Committee recommends the Australian Government review government advertising expenditure
across all departments and agencies with a view to ensuring a minimum of 20 per cent of government
print advertising is placed in regional newspapers.
The Country Press Australia (CPA), of which Glasshouse Country and Maleny News is a member, welcomed the findings
CPA President Andrew Manuel said: “This has been an important and productive inquiry, and the findings can make a real difference to help sustain independent regional news services into the future if implemented.”
The recommendations made by the Committee include ensuring 20% of government print advertising
is placed in regional newspapers, and that the Government considers the viability of a tax rebate for
regional businesses that support their local newspaper.
An important recommendation the Committee concluded is “that the Australian Government develop a
targeted grants program aimed as small, independent newspapers based in regional and remote
Australia communities”, which aligns to the ACCC’s Digital Platform Final Report of June 2019,
recommendation 10, which called for a targeted grants program that supports the production of
original local and regional journalism.