THE Victorian Government has announced a $2.7 million grant to not-for-profit news organisation Australian Associated Press (AAP).
The government on Friday said regional media outlets play a crucial role in their communities, especially during emergencies such as bushfires or floods, providing independent and localised news to give Victorians the detailed information they need.
AAP supports print and broadcast journalism in regional Victoria, including Swan Hill-based The Guardian and the Gannawarra Times.
The three years of funding is recognition of AAP’s position as a “unique, trusted and recognised” not-for-profit in the Australian media landscape.
AAP’s work underpins almost 50 regional newspapers and radio stations across Victoria – as well as 34 national outlets that distribute or broadcast into the state – by filing stories and photographs every day, around-the-clock on politics, sport, courts, finance and major news events.
In Victoria, AAP employs about 18 editorial staff, whose stories are run throughout Victoria, Australia and internationally.
“The grant builds on the Labor Government’s $20 million Regional Press Support Package, which has helped maintain regional jobs and public interest journalism through the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Government said in a statement.
AAP’s revenue goes directly to achieving its charitable objectives through the creation of public interest journalism.
AAP was threatened with closure in 2020 before being purchased by a group of philanthropists.
To help regional papers continue to recover from the global pandemic, the government committed to extending its advertising support to regional papers until the end of the year.
“Local newspapers, radio and television outlets are vital to our regional communities, providing the range of voices and local information needed to make informed decisions,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
“That’s why we’re proud to announce further support that will help ensure the long-term sustainability of regional media outlets and jobs for journalists right across Victoria.”
