Regional and small publishers funding boost in Maranoa

August 5, 2020

The Morrison Government today announced that OurNews Pty Ltd publisher in Clifton and Allora will receive a share of $5 million after being successful in the 2020 round of the Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, and Maranoa MP David Littleproud said that the funding will help publishers in Clifton and Allora adapt to the unprecedented challenges in the current media environment, particularly in the face of COVID-19.

“I welcome news that OurNews Pty Ltd in has been successful in this funding round, which will help to keep local jobs in our community,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The grant of up to $99,582.72 will provide a much needed funding boost and will support the Clifton Courier and Allora Advertiser to develop a news website, online directory and purchase hardware to support the digital transition and ongoing production of great local stories to the communities.”

Minister Fletcher said that this round was expedited so that publishers can keep delivering news and information to local communities at this critical time.

“The Innovation Fund began in 2018 and is part of a Government package to boost sustainability and ongoing production of news in the modern media environment,” Minister Fletcher said.

“The grants will help successful recipients continue to generate public interest journalism through investment digital initiatives, technical upgrades and staff training, as well as supporting salaries.”

The Innovation Fund, administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

Over 300 applications were assessed by the ACMA, working closely with an independent advisory committee, through a competitive grants process. The ACMA will work with successful applicants to develop and enter into grant agreements as soon as practicable. The full list of recipients is available on the ACMA’s website at: https://www.acma.gov.au/regional-and-small-publishers-innovation-fund.

In addition to the $5 million Innovation Fund grants, the Government is providing $50 million to 107 regional broadcasters and publishers through the Public Interest News Gathering (PING) program.