‘The gov has listened’: $67.6m fund launches for news publishers
The federal government has quietly launched a $67.6-million fund for digital publications covering “core news” content.
The Journalism Assistance Fund opens for applications in November and will be used to support existing Australian journalists “who produce core news content that is distributed digitally”.
The funding forms part of the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP), which was announced last year and will deliver $153.5 million over four years, plus an additional $27 million given to the community broadcasting sector.
The eligbility criteria for the funding have not yet been released, with the “Forecast Opportunities” notice saying they are also expected in November.
The News Media Barganing Code — legislation that has never been used but encourages deals between digital platforms and publishers — requires news organisations that want deals to be registered with ACMA.
Q: How do you illustrate a story about funding? A: Photograph the website (Mumbrella)
Previous government funding schemes have not required ACMA registration but instead focussed on their own definitions of “core news” content and other operational qualifications.
Mumbrella has contacted the department for clarification.
Speaking to Mumbrella, Junkee founder and now chair of the Digital Publishers Alliance Tim Duggan said it was “good to see the government finally putting it into action”.
“This funding will be able to support some publishers to cover increasing costs in a challenging environment.”
“The government have listened and expanded the eligibility requirements over previous programs to include metro publishers now too.”
“The definition of what ‘core news content’ is will be argued until the end of time,” he added.
Although he noted the funding appeared to be a short-term fix, he said it was a welcome step after “recent inertia.”
He also highlighted that the move was timely, given the current standstill on the News Bargaining Incentive, Labor’s new plan to compel large digital platforms to pay for Australian news.
Under the proposed Incentive, major platforms like Google and Meta will either have to renew commercial agreements with Australian publishers or face a government charge, effectively a levy if no agreements are in place.
However, the government has yet to agree to any platform formally designated for mandatory arbitration.
In light of the standstill, Duggan added: “At least some money can start flowing to support digital-focused publishers. We look forward to working with the government to help advise them on what the next stage of funding looks like so that it can reach as many eligible publishers as possible.”
The JAF comes after a separate $12 million injection supporting regional, suburban, multicultural, and First Nations news publishers nationwide.
