Editorial: Thanks for supporting independent local media

Murray Bridge News managing editor Peri Strathearn comments on LINA and changes at the Murraylands' newspaper.

Here’s me, doing my thing. Photo: Jacob Jennings Photography.

It’s a very interesting time for local media.

Last week I went to Sydney for a summit of the Local and Independent News Association, of which Murray Bridge News was a founding member.

It was a really energising couple of days, hearing from industry leaders and networking with other independent media.

From Hobart to Port Douglas and everywhere in between, start-ups like this one are finding innovative new ways of serving their communities, and experiencing growth as a result.

It’s exciting!

I commend the federal government for announcing $1.5 million in funding for LINA so that it, too, can keep rolling.

Jon Bisset and Claire Stuchbery welcome a funding announcement from Michelle Rowland, centre, at the inaugural LINA summit. Photo: Michelle Rowland/Twitter.

Meanwhile, as a long-time former journalist at the local newspaper, I’ll look on with interest to see whether an injection of cash from its new Victorian owners helps it pull out of a 10-year nosedive.

If it does, good!

Our community will be better off if it is served by two thriving local mastheads.

But I have faith that Murray Bridge News – 100 per cent locally owned, more affordable for both subscribers and advertisers, with a higher weekly circulation and a vision for the future – remains the number-one choice for local news in the Murraylands.

Thank you for supporting us.

We look forward to serving this community for many years yet.

Have yourself a wonderful Easter.

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