Communities across Australia have shown their strong support for local and independent journalism through LINA’s annual Our News. Your Voice. campaign, with more than $67,000 raised to support newsrooms delivering public interest news.
The week-long collective fundraising initiative brought together more than 40 independent digital newsrooms in an effort to strengthen community journalism and diversify Australia’s media landscape.
A total of $56,547 was raised directly through public donations, in addition to $10,554 in matched philanthropic funding. The campaign also saw strong ongoing awareness and support for independent journalism, with new recurring donors signing up to support publishers.
Launched on Sunday 3 May to coincide with World Press Freedom Day, the campaign highlighted the important role local and independent newsrooms play in providing trusted information, holding power to account and strengthening community connection.
LINA’s Executive Director Claire Stuchbery said the campaign demonstrated that Australians value independent public interest journalism and want to see it continue to thrive.
“Every donation in this campaign represents someone choosing to invest in informed, connected communities,” she said. “People understand that quality local journalism doesn’t happen by accident. It takes time, skill and sustainable support.”
She said the campaign was particularly important at a time when Australia’s media landscape faces ongoing transition, disruptions to the information environment and challenges drawing advertising income from local businesses.
“Local and independent publishers are filling critical gaps in news coverage across the country. They are reporting on issues larger outlets often miss, reflecting the realities of their communities and ensuring local voices remain part of the national conversation,” she said.
The Our News. Your Voice. campaign has raised vital funds for local and independent newsrooms over the past three years, strengthening a growing movement of community-focused publishers working to build sustainable, future-focused models for public interest journalism online.