Country Press Australia (CPA) has called for both sides of politics to support the recommendations of a federal parliamentary inquiry into regional newspapers.
The Inquiry into Australia’s Regional Newspapers report made 12 recommendations to support the sector.
This includes ensuring 20% of government print advertising is placed in regional newspapers, and that the government considers the viability of a tax rebate for regional businesses that support their local newspaper.
“This has been an important and productive inquiry, and the findings can make a real difference to help sustain independent regional news services into the future if implemented,” says CPA president Andrew Manuel.
The CPA, which has 81 members, represents more than 160 regional newspapers including The Bunyip, Narrabri Courier, Gympie Today and Noosa Today.
The report also recommended that the government develop a targeted grants program aimed at small, independent newspapers based in regional and remote Australia communities.
“Regional newspapers are the perfect medium for reaching many regional Australians with important government messages, so it’s a wise and welcome recommendation to ensure more government advertising is placed with our local independent publications,” Manuel says.
“There were clear and consistent themes presented to the Inquiry and at the very top of that list is how important having a local independent news service is to regional communities.”
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