General News
30 October, 2024
Country Press urges new LNP Government to strengthen regional news
Importance of regional news
Story and Photo Supplied
The Queensland Country Press Association (QCPA) congratulates the Crisafulli Government on its historic election win and is ready to work with the government to ensure the survival of local news in Queensland.
Ahead of the election, QCPA called on the next Queensland Government to allocate a fairer share of existing government advertising to regional Queensland media.
QCPA President Wendy Creighton said the Victorian Government’s successful policy of mandating a ‘page per week’ of government advertising in every regional and community newspaper has been operating successfully for four years in Victoria.
“This policy was implemented after multiple government inquiries, ACCC reviews and university research projects that all came to the same conclusion. Independent local news is an essential service in regional,” Ms Creighton said.
“Local news is the cornerstone of regional communities, providing a platform for factual, balanced news, informed public debate, and giving a voice to our region and those who may otherwise go unheard.
“Without change, this will silence local voices and erase our local stories, which undermines our democracy and compromises the integrity of honest journalism.
“Regional local papers are at risk, and we need the Crisafulli Government to back their future.
“Regional and community papers give locals a voice, a platform, and most importantly, they bind our community together. If we lose our regional papers, we lose our community’s identity,” she said.
Paid advertising about government programs is mostly invested with capital city corporate media and foreign owned tech giants like Facebook
“It keeps our leaders accountable, advocates for its regions, and is the only medium that reports extensively on local issues and local candidates,” she said.
“A fairer share of government advertising would ensure the future of local journalism, voices, and community stories are protected.
“The QCPA looks forward to working with the Crisafulli Government through the course of its term to ensure all Queenslanders have access to essential local news and information.”
