Announcing the Murray Bridge News Network
In 2023, your independent local news service will become more visible and accessible than ever.
Finding out what’s happening in the Murraylands is about to get a lot easier.
In 2023, Murray Bridge News will make the latest local stories accessible in cafes, shopping centres and waiting rooms around our region by launching a network of inter-linked display screens.
We’re calling it the Murray Bridge News Network.
The project will be part-funded by the Google News Initiative, and will be an expansion of the concept we’ve been trialling at Murray Bridge Marketplace.
Murray Bridge News was one of just two Australian publishers to secure funding from GNI in December, and one of 19 across the Asia-Pacific region.
Google’s Nic Hopkins said funding had been allocated to “innovative projects that help create a more sustainable and diverse news ecosystem”.
Excitingly, as well as exposing our news and information to a wider audience, the project will also generate revenue which we plan to share with local businesses.
How will this screen network work?
Murray Bridge News will convert existing TVs at 10-12 local businesses or organisations into internet-linked display screens.
Each screen will show a mix of local news, photos, event guides, weather and advertisements.
We’ll be able to update the entire screen network remotely, at the push of a button – like a newspaper front page that can be updated live throughout the week.
As a result, thousands more people will be able to read the latest Murray Bridge News stories, regardless of whether they own a smartphone or a home computer.
Better still, we’ll share a proportion of our advertising income with the organisations who host these screens, helping them turn a passive asset – a TV – into a source of revenue.
Each partner organisation will also get more than $500 worth of advertising with us, and an ongoing discount.
We aim to set up at least two screens at non-profit or community organisations, and at least two outside Murray Bridge – for example, at Tailem Bend or Mypolonga.
If there’s somewhere you think we should put one, let us know.
How can my business or organisation get involved?
To register your interest in hosting a screen at your business, club or organisation – or in advertising on the Murray Bridge News Network – please contact Jane Intini at jane@murraybridge.news or on 0418 835 768.
We’d be happy to come and have a chat about how we can work together to benefit you, your customers and the wider community.
Expressions of interest are due by February 28, 2023.
- Read more: What’s the future of local news?
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