Joint media release
A grant program designed to help regional media outlets struggling due to COVID-19 opened for applications today.
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan welcomed Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher finalising the $50 million Public Interest News Gathering (PING) grant guidelines as the current coronavirus pandemic had negatively impacted many media outlets advertising revenue.
“Regional media organisations have been under stress for a number of years due to competition from digital platforms and a range of other factors,” he said.
“But these organisations are vitally important to our community as their publications keep us informed, share our news and keep us connected to one another.
“I encourage all eligible companies to submit an application for this $50 million program as the funds can be used to support staff wages, production and distribution and could mean the difference between some outlets continuing and closing during this challenging time.”
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher said he understood many Australian media companies were doing it tough right now.
“The PING program is one of several relief measures the Government is delivering to support journalism, particularly as media organisations face increased challenges due to COVID-19,” Mr Fletcher said.
“We’ve also fast-tracked $5 million of funding from the Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund, temporarily suspended content quota obligations for commercial and subscription television, and provided spectrum tax fee relief for 12 months for commercial television and radio broadcasters.”
Applications for the PING program will close on 29 May 2020.
Applications will be considered through a demand-driven grant process. Organisations that satisfy the criteria – producing Australian public interest journalism with a commitment to accuracy, accessibility and broad relevance – will be eligible.
The guidelines and application process is available on the Government’s central grants website here under the ID code GO3987.
