Murray Bridge News joins national Our News, Your Voice campaign

Murray Bridge News will again participate in a national fundraising initiative for independent and local news publishers next week.

The Local and Independent News Association will lead the Our News, Your Voice campaign from next Monday, April 28, to Sunday, May 4.

The week-long campaign will unite 52 local and independent digital newsrooms across Australia in a collective effort to secure vital community support for grassroots journalism.

Following the success of the 2024 campaign, which raised $184,000 for 32 newsrooms through 941 individual donations and matched funds, LINA is again inviting Australians to contribute directly to their local news outlets via unique donation pages.

Thanks to generous philanthropic support, the first $10,000 raised will be doubled by matched funding, amplifying the impact of each contribution.

LINA is a not-for-profit industry association supporting a movement of local and independent digital news publishers in Australia.

LINA executive director Claire Stuchbery described these newsrooms as the “green shoots” of an industry in crisis.

“The news industry has been struggling through a period of transition for years now and we’re starting to see independent newsrooms emerge to fill gaps in information for local communities,” she said. 

“Many of these news services were started by community-minded individuals who identified ‘news deserts’ in their local areas, which were lacking timely, verified information during emergencies, accountability from local authorities, and a record of events to bring the community together.

“They reflect the communities we live in.

“As we head to the polls this week, I’m reminded once again of how important independent news is to counter misinformation and support people to make informed voting decisions.”

LINA’s membership has grown to include newsrooms in all states and territories across Australia, publishing public interest journalism and meeting high editorial standards for fairness, independence and accountability and other requirements of professional news outlets.

Developing sustainable news business models online requires investment and innovation, which is difficult for newsrooms already pushed to the limits trying to produce quality, public interest journalism in a rapid news cycle.

“Providing quality journalism is a public service – every community needs a news service, just as it needs doctors, teachers and firefighters,” Ms Stuchbery said.

“It’s great to see these independent newsrooms band together for this campaign, just as they themselves bring their communities together in an increasingly polarised society.”

Donations to the campaign are separate to Murray Bridge News’ paid subscription service.

• Donate to Murray Bridge News: Visit murraybridgenews.presspatron.com after 9am on Monday.
• Read more: Our News, Your Voice: Independent news is close to home and louder than ever
• More information: lina.org.au/our-news-your-voice.