The Morrison Government is supporting public interest journalism during COVID-19, with the $5 million Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund 2020 Round now open for applications.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the 2020 Round of the program - administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) - has been fast-tracked to assist regional and metropolitan news publishers with the significant challenges they face in the current media landscape and resulting from the public health response to COVID-19.
"We recognise the significant pressures our media industry is facing and in bringing forward this round of the program we are supporting publishers to sustain the important work they do in delivering news and information to local communities at this critical time for our nation," Minister Fletcher said.
"A total of $5 million is available with a maximum of $400,000 per applicant. We've also broadened the criteria so more organisations are eligible to apply for grants to get this money to where it is needed as quickly as possible."
Funds will be available to eligible applicants to support the costs associated with public interest news gathering, which can include staff training, new digital technology and website upgrades.
The ACMA will assess each application for the 2020 Round in accordance with the Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund: 2020 Grant Opportunity Guidelines, working closely with an Independent Advisory Committee.
