LINA has just conducted its annual survey of member publishers, which helps guide our work supporting hyperlocal and independent newsrooms. Our findings provide us with a snapshot of the local independent news industry in Australia. Here are just a few of the key findings we can share from this year:
| • LINA members publish a collective average of 2,000 news stories per week. • This part of the news industry employees nearly 400 people, complemented by another 660 paid and volunteer contributors. • In addition to website visitors, LINA members reach 1.1 million newsletter subscribers, distribute over 322k printed newspapers each month and attract over 1.6 million followers on Facebook alone, as well as other social media platforms. • 96% of LINA members are satisfied with LINA’s performance as an industry association. • LINA members have grown their income by approximately 10.2% on average in 2024 by comparison to 2023. • Notable changes to income sources include a jump in reader contributions from 8% in 2023 to 45% in 2024, partially attributable to LINA’s Our News, Your Voice campaign and up-skilling program. • Income from listings, guides and classifieds is a notable addition in this year’s responses, as is advertising in podcasts, training services and social media post revenue generation, all new income streams by comparison to 2023 data. The number of publishers reporting income from merchandise, events and philanthropic partners have all increased as categories of revenue. • Around 87% of respondents reported changes in their social media reach, which is significant in light of the Meta deprioritising news content. • 71% of publishers formed new relationships with community members and local partners. • 69% of respondents said their newsroom was cited in a public forum such as media, academia and government. • 53% of newsrooms said they gave back to the community. |