LINA Monthly AUGUST 2023

LINA

Supporting independent digital journalism
through hyperlocal news.

Hi there!

Thanks for keeping an eye on LINA’s progress through our monthly newsletters. We’re really pleased to have you joining us as we strive to support newsrooms around the country. 

This month we have welcomed some new faces to the LINA team who will help roll out some of the programs and projects we’ve been developing in the last six months.

We’re really excited about being able to increase our hands-on support for members, drawing on the expertise of this great crew. Read more about them further down this newsletter. 

Policy Corner

ACMA Powers Exposure Draft Bill

The Government is considering an expansion of the ACMA’s powers to help address the spread of mis- and disinformation on digital platforms which can include interactive media websites, LINA considered the potential impact the proposed powers could have on its members. Read more

Murdoch Media Inquiry Bill

The Standing Committee on Environment and Communications is considering an Inquiry into the impact of media concentration in Australia and related areas of regulation and policy. LINA’s submission supports the rationale for an Inquiry and encourages the Government to undertake this work in respect to the NewsMAP and other components of policy work currently in development. Read more

Events

Google News Initiative Summit 2023, Sydney

Claire Stuchbery attended the Google News Initiative (GNI) Summit in Sydney this month. Also present from the LINA membership were Australian Property Journal, City Hub News, Scenic Rim Media, Hills to Hawkesbury News and Yanchep News Online (Anita McInnes pictured below with Claire).

It was a good opportunity to hear the outcomes of some of newsroom experimentation Google has supported over the past year and conversations about cultural transformation in larger newsrooms.

A highlight was hearing Keer Moriarty speak about Scenic Rim Media’s learnings from the Kookaburra 2 project, focused on digital sustainability for regional publishers. Nice work Keer!

Meet the Team

Four new staff members joined LINA in the July–August months! The new crew joins Claire Stuchbery & Claire Albrecht and will soon be completed by a Data & Insights Analyst.

Julia, Emma, Lily and Kris bring a diverse combined skillset to help LINA members. Introducing them briefly, they are:

Lily has worked across both state and local government in corporate partnerships, fundraising, sustainability, media/communications and events. Most recently, she worked for the Victorian Labor Party, primarily focused on fundraising in the lead-up to the last election. Based in Metung, Gippsland, Lily leads LINA’s government and stakeholder relationships, including funding partners. Reach out to Lily via lily.martyn@lina.org.au

Lily Martin, Policy & Partnerships Officer
Emma Marshall, Member Engagement Coordinator Tues-Fri

Emma has a background in radio and digital content distribution. She worked as a Digital Courier Operator at Nine for 8 years, prior to which she had presenter roles at Nova and SBS Pop Asia. Emma brings expertise in social and digital platform expertise, including database systems focused on the sharing of content across media organisations. In her spare time, Emma produces podcasts. Emma is based in Macquarie Park, New South Wales. To learn more about joining LINA, if you’re an existing member with a question, or if you would like work with our members, contact Emma via emma.marshall@lina.org.au

Kristen has a 20-year history in the management of digital teams, including working as a developer supporting journalists at The First Post (London) and more recently as Platform Manager at Medicins Sans Frontieres. Kris splits his time between LINA and The Wilderness Society where he works as a Digital Systems Specialist. Kris is based in Wattle Flats (near Peel), New South Wales. LINA members can contact Kris for support with website bugs or issues, training support on digital tools and advice around your tech strategy. Book an appointment with Kris here, or email Kristen.morris@lina.org.au

Kris Morris, Chief Technical Officer
Wed-Fri
Julia Mendelawitz, Communications & Administration Officer Wed-Fri

Julia’s multifaceted background in music and the performing arts includes a career as a musician, songwriter, teacher, and arts-worker. She also worked in publishing as senior editor for a global multimedia music education publisher, and as editor for three Australian non-fiction publishers—for one of these, she was also an author coach. For several years, Julia was a freelancer in the copywriting, web and digital spaces, spanning both technical and creative roles. In her earlier years, Julia spent time in the trade union movement, based at the Trades and Labor Council of W.A. Julia is based in Seaford, Victoria and can be contacted via julia.mendelawitz@lina.org.au

We encourage you to reach out and say hi to any of our new staff members.

Member News

Austin Robertson

Austin Robertson Sadly Missed

On August 26, Post Newspapers sadly announced the loss of their “legendary sportswriter”, Austin Robertson. A touching tribute to their much respected friend and colleague can be found here.

LINA sends our condolences to Austin’s family and friends, and everyone at Post Newspapers who knew him and his work. Our thoughts are with you.

New Member Spotlight

Eastside Radio 89.7FM
LINA welcomes new member, Eastside Radio 89.7 FM covering the eastern suburbs of Sydney. Eastside FM have been broadcasting for 40 years with a daily focus on issues that matter to their local audience. Eastside FM’s presenters and producers come from many sectors and industries including music, politics, advertising, journalism, science and education with a talented pool of young presenters. With Managing Director, Tony Smythe at the helm, Eastside FM have a loyal audience who access their programs, podcasts and online media to listen to music, read local news and get information. Read more.
Eastside Radio 89.7FM
LINA welcomes new member, Eastside Radio 89.7 FM covering the eastern suburbs of Sydney. Eastside FM have been broadcasting for 40 years with a daily focus on issues that matter to their local audience. Eastside FM’s presenters and producers come from many sectors and industries including music, politics, advertising, journalism, science and education with a talented pool of young presenters. With Managing Director, Tony Smythe at the helm, Eastside FM have a loyal audience who access their programs, podcasts and online media to listen to music, read local news and get information. Read more.

Opportunities

Google News Initiative Advertising Lab AUNZ
The Google News Initiative (GNI) Advertising Lab AUNZ will support small and mid-sized news organisations. Ad Lab’s primary focus is to equip news organisations with the latest information and support to improve their understanding, strategy and infrastructure as it relates to digital advertising with a view to maximise their site performance and advertising revenue. There is no cost to participate.
Google News Initiative Advertising Lab AUNZ
The Google News Initiative (GNI) Advertising Lab AUNZ will support small and mid-sized news organisations. Ad Lab’s primary focus is to equip news organisations with the latest information and support to improve their understanding, strategy and infrastructure as it relates to digital advertising with a view to maximise their site performance and advertising revenue. There is no cost to participate.
Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism
Entries are open for the 68th Walkley Awards. There’s no time like to present, so don’t delay in submitting your best work from the past year. Stories published or broadcast between September 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023 are eligible. More than 1,400 entries are received each year across 30 categories. Entries close August 31.
Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism
Entries are open for the 68th Walkley Awards. There’s no time like to present, so don’t delay in submitting your best work from the past year. Stories published or broadcast between September 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023 are eligible. More than 1,400 entries are received each year across 30 categories. Entries close August 31.

Member Resources

Shop-talk Sessions

LINA has been hosting some fantastic Shop-talk sessions with members and guests, most recently with experts at ABC News Digital discussing SEO. The Shop-talks are a great resource and chance to interact with our community and industry across many topics important to members.

Food for Thought

Why the future of digital-only local news may be small, focused and based on email
Editors at The Mill, Axios and Local News Now agree that digital-only local news should reduce quantity and focus on quality. Read more.
Why the future of digital-only local news may be small, focused and based on email
Editors at The Mill, Axios and Local News Now agree that digital-only local news should reduce quantity and focus on quality. Read more.
SODP Dispatch – 25 August 2023
How publishers can benefit from user-generated content, 8 WordPress best practices and more tips and news for digital publishers Read more.
SODP Dispatch – 25 August 2023
How publishers can benefit from user-generated content, 8 WordPress best practices and more tips and news for digital publishers Read more.

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