Recommendations to support Australia’s newspaper services in rural, regional and remote areas will be laid out in a report released today by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 23 March 2022

Recommendations to support Australia’s newspaper services in rural, regional and remote areas will be laid out in a report released today by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts. Committee Chair, Dr Anne Webster MP said, ‘Regional newspapers in Australia represent a large and diverse industry, which has experienced significant challenges over the past decade. With the transition to digital news and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, assessing the health of our regional newspapers is more important than ever before.’ The Committee made 12 recommendations aimed at addressing core sector issues, and implementing alternative and sustainable business practices, to ensure the longevity of local newspapers across Australia. The Committee also recommended a multi-pronged approach to support the long-term viability of the sector, particularly for small and independent newspapers based in regional and remote Australian communities. The approach includes the funding and development of a project to gather and analyse core longitudinal data on regional newspapers in Australia. ‘For people in regional, rural, or remote communities, regional newspapers are the main source of local information. It also plays an important role in maintaining an interconnected community, and a healthy democracy. A diversity of opinion from all sides of the political spectrum and coverage of local, as well as national issues, is essential to public debate. It is important we ensure the sector remains viable in the long-term’, said Dr Webster. The report can be accessed from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Office of Dr Anne Webster MP Phone: (03) 5021 5987 For background information on the inquiry process Committee Secretariat Phone: 02 6277 4386 Email: communications.reps@aph.gov.au Website: www.aph.gov.au/communications

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts is holding public hearings to inquire into the adequacy of regional and local news, how the pandemic has affected the delivery news services, and suggestions on how to strengthen connections with and coverage of issues affecting regional Australia.

Media release issue date: Monday, 21 February 2022

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts is holding public hearings to inquire into the adequacy of regional and local news, how the pandemic has affected the delivery news services, and suggestions on how to strengthen connections with and coverage of issues affecting regional Australia. On Monday 28 February and Tuesday 1 March, the Committee will hear from a range of witnesses including government bodies, major media companies, academics, regional newspapers, and regional and remote local councils. Chair Dr Anne Webster MP said ‘the Committee is keen to hear a range of views on the effects of the pandemic on the delivery of news services in regional areas, the effect of the News Media Bargaining Code particularly on small publishers and the impact of suspending the publication of print editions in regional communities.’ ‘The hearings will provide an opportunity to consider all viewpoints, discuss key issues and importantly find potential solutions to maintain locally produced journalism and strengthen tailored news coverage of regional Australia.’ Public hearing details Date: Monday, 28 February 2022 Time: 10.00 am to 5.15 pm (AEDT) Date: Tuesday, 1 March 2022 Time: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (AEDT) A full program for the Committee’s hearing is available on the Committee’s website here. Media inquiries Office of Dr Anne Webster MP: Electorate Office: (03) 5021 5987 Parliament Office: (02) 6277 4027 For background information on the inquiry process Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4386 communications.reps@aph.gov.au 

A new online survey is seeking views on how Australians’ living in regional, rural or remote areas access news as part of a federal parliamentary inquiry into Australia’s regional newspapers.

Media release issue date: Monday, 17 January 2022

A new online survey is seeking views on how Australians’ living in regional, rural or remote areas access news as part of a federal parliamentary inquiry into Australia’s regional newspapers. The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts Chair Dr Anne Webster MP said ‘over the past ten years news outlets in rural, regional and remote communities have closed their doors which has resulted in a substantial reduction of articles covering local issues.’ ‘It is important that we listen to our communities about what's important to them. This survey provides an opportunity for these communities to express their views on whether the loss of their regional voice has directly affected them.’ ‘I encourage anyone who lives in Australia’s regional, rural or remote areas to participate in the online survey.’ The survey is open until 11 February 2022 and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. The Committee is continuing to accept new submissions until 28 January 2022. Information about the Committee may be found on the Committee’s webpage. Media inquiries Office of Dr Anne Webster MP: Electorate Office: (03) 5021 5987 Parliament Office: (02) 6277 4027 For background information on the inquiry process Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4386 communications.reps@aph.gov.au

Australia’s regional news services will be the focus of a new Parliamentary inquiry. The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts will hear evidence on newspaper services in rural, regional and remote areas.

Media release issue date: Friday, 24 December 2021

Australia’s regional news services will be the focus of a new Parliamentary inquiry. The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts will hear evidence on newspaper services in rural, regional and remote areas. Committee Chair, Dr Anne Webster MP said, ‘Local news is a vital component to an interconnected community, and a thriving democracy.’ Dr Webster added, ‘Particularly in smaller markets, having a choice in where to access your news coverage is not always possible.’ A recent survey has found that Australians living in regional communities are far more likely to go to their local news or newspaper website for information than other accessible online sources like search engines, social media sites or local council websites. Dr Webster said, ‘At a time when many regional and remote newspaper services are shutting down or moving online, it is vital that we understand the needs of regional communities, and how heavily they rely on their local newspapers to stay connected.’ As part of the inquiry the Committee will examine the impact of decisions by large publishers to suspend publication of print editions; entry into these or other markets by new operators, particularly small businesses; impact of the News Media Bargaining Code for regional and remote newspapers; and the economic recovery in regional and remote markets from the impacts of COVID, and whether this has led to advertising revenue improving. The terms of reference are available from the inquiry webpage. Submissions can also be made through the webpage, or by email to communications.reps@aph.gov.au until 28 January 2022. Information about the Committee may be found on the Committee’s webpage. Media inquiries Office of Dr Anne Webster MP Electorate Office: (03) 5021 5987 Parliament Office: (02) 6277 4027 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4386 communications.reps@aph.gov.au