Innovation grant will take Murray Bridge News model to the nation
Your independent local news publisher has had a big grant win that will help other publishers benefit from a screen network concept developed in the Murraylands.
A concept developed by Murray Bridge News will be trialled in communities around Australia after a major funding win this week.
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells announced on Tuesday that your independent local news publisher was among 56 organisations nationally to be offered a grant from the News Innovation Fund.
Murray Bridge News’ project will focus on helping other local publishers set up and run screen networks like the one we have operated in local shops, cafes and waiting rooms since 2023.
Other publishers had expressed an interest in the concept at several industry events over the past few years, but until now, Murray Bridge News has not had the capacity to offer a service to those organisations.
This is an idea I’ve had percolating in my head since I pitched it to Australian Community Media, the former owners of the local newspaper and my previous employers, almost 10 years ago.
It is gratifying that we’ll finally be able to test it at a greater scale.
Our screen network has helped us reach audiences who might not otherwise engage with local news, including folks who aren’t internet savvy or are news avoiders; that means more people than ever can benefit from our journalism and become accessible to the local businesses who advertise with us.
However, the project funding will only be temporary, and will mean a lot of extra work behind the scenes over the next 12 months.
Murray Bridge News will continue to depend on advertising from local businesses and reader subscriptions for its survival.
The innovation fund was one of the final parts of the government’s News Media Assistance Program, a $153 million investment in the sector in the face of revenue challenges and changing audience habits.
Like most local publishers around Australia, Murray Bridge News also received some funding from the Journalism Assistance Fund, a payment based on the number of journalists it employs.
“The news and media sector is evolving at a rapid pace, and publishers need support to be able to innovate, adapt and continue delivering the news their communities rely on,” Ms Wells said.
“The (federal) government’s $31.5 million News Innovation Fund helps media organisations expand their reach, generate new revenue streams and build their capability and sustainability in areas that need it most.”
Murray Bridge News understands that the fund was drastically over-subscribed, as hundreds of organisations submitted applications worth many times more than the $31.5 million on offer.
Among the applicants who missed out was the Local and Independent News Association, a peak body for online news publishers.
Murray Bridge News was a founding member of the association, whose annual summit was held in Murray Bridge earlier this year.
It is not yet clear what that decision will mean for LINA, which has relied heavily on government funding since its establishment in 2021.
The Star News Group, owners of The Murray Valley Standard and more than 60 other newspapers, received $1.7 million from the innovation fund; and Country Press Australia, a peak body for regional newspapers, was granted $2.3 million.
- Expressions of interest: Publishers interested in taking part in Murray Bridge News’ project should email peri@murraybridge.news; a formal EOI process will take place in the coming months.
- Read more: Murray Bridge News Network
