INDUSTRY NEWS
Here’s what’s happening at LINA and other related organisations around Australia and the world. Catch up on research, news and keep up to date on our programs to support hyperlocal news.
LINA welcomes News MAP announcement
The Local & Independent News Association (LINA) welcomes the Albanese Government’s investment in the news industry through the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP) announced today. The commitment of $153.5…
Misinformation and Disinformation Bill abandoned
The government announced on Sunday that it will not proceed with the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024, on the basis that “there is no pathway to…
The print vs digital debate: Why Brunswick Voice chooses hybrid
Brunswick Voice was launched as a digital-first publication in 2021, but founder and editor Mark Phillips always had a print edition in his business plan. The first newspaper was produced…
Media democratisation vs local news: surprising rivals in the battle for healthy democracies
As all eyes turned to the US this week, we reflect on the relationship between news and democracy in this era heavily influenced by social media and big tech. With…
Urgent action needed on recommendations of social media inquiry
The Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society has released its second interim report with a focus on digital platforms and the traditional news media. The Committee’s Terms…
Government must support local and independent news in lieu of Royal Commission or media inquiry
The Environment and Communications Legislation Committee on Thursday released recommendations that the proposed Murdoch Media Inquiry Bill 2023 not be passed. The Committee found that the establishment of a Commission…
LINA welcomed members together in Port Douglas for the second annual LINA Summit in May 2024. You can view event photos, presentation slides and notes, as well as access linked resources.
Media job opportunities
For journalists looking for work in a local or independent newsroom and publishers wishing to expand their teams — here are some handy sites to look for jobs or advertise positions:
Public interest journalism builds communities and fosters democracy by facilitating public discussion, ensuring diversity of voice, providing open justice, holding public power to account and providing accurate and reliable information.
Centre for Media Transition, Media Diversity in Australia submission, December 2020
Keep track of what’s on
The Australian Newsroom Mapping Project
From the Public Interest Journalism Initiative
“As of April 2022, PIJI’s data showed that 31 Local Government Areas in Australia had no print or digital local news outlets (represented by grey areas on the map below). Across the country, rural and regional areas are the worst affected by declines in local news. Local news outlets cover councils, courts, schools, emergency events, and many more things of importance communities. A lack of local news undermines community resilience and the accountability of public institutions. PIJI’s Local News Producers data can be viewed nationally or state by state. They give a birds-eye view of where and how, local news availability is changing over time.”