IMMEDIATE SUPPORT FOR REGIONAL MEDIA

A suite of measures including short term relief and long term support have been announced to help sustain Australian media businesses through to the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Federal Government is waiving spectrum tax worth $41 million for commercial television and radio broadcasters for 12 months, investing in regional journalism with a $50 million Public Interest News Gathering program and providing short-term red tape relief with the emergency suspension of content quotas for 2020.

Deputy Prime Minister, Leader of The Nationals and Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack said the measures announced today recognise the vital role media plays, particularly in regional communities, to keep the public informed.

“During times of crisis, the public rely on media reports to stay up-to-date and informed as the world we live in changes drastically in response to that crisis,” Mr McCormack said.

“All media outlets have reported a significant downturn in advertising revenue which is causing additional financial pressure, particularly on regional publications and broadcasters.

“As a former regional newspaper editor, I can’t overstate the value of local voices reporting local news for local people and providing employment opportunities for those communities.

“The new $50 million Public Interest News Gathering program will support public interest journalism by commercial television, newspaper and radio broadcasters in regional and remote Australia, ensuring quality news is created and delivered locally.”

The package is funded with $13.4 million in new money as well as repurposing unallocated funds from the Government’s Regional and Small Publishers Jobs and Innovation Package to support quality news.

The Government is also progressing its December 2019 commitment to consult on a future framework to support Australian stories on our screens, today releasing an Options Paper developed by Screen Australia and the Australian Communication and Media Authority.

“An eight-week consultation period with stakeholders and ministerial roundtables will help inform the future of Australia’s free-to-air content which has been struggling up against streaming services. This work is critically important to the cultural and economic future of the Australian film and television production sector,” Mr McCormack said.

“These measures complement the Federal Government’s record $130 billion JobKeeper payment to support businesses which have experienced a sudden downturn due to coronavirus – providing a $1500 fortnightly wage subsidy for their employees and ensures they remain employed and connected to their workplaces.

“Media businesses suffering a downturn due to COVID-19 can and are strongly encouraged to apply for the JobKeeper support payment.

“This is one of the most important pieces of legislation this Government has passed in response to COVID-19 and highlights our commitment to helping individuals and businesses through this pandemic and creating pathways for them to thrive on the other side.

More information about the media support measures and a copy of the Options Paper can be found at www.communications.gov.au/media_package.

Information about the JobKeeper support payment can be found at www.australia.gov.au.

Shane Manning