Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he is very pleased the Plains Producer been awarded $83,278.55 through the Federal Government’s Regional Grant Opportunity program to support the sustainability of the local publishing activities, including news gathering, production and distribution.
“The Plains Producer is one of 62 small and regional publishers across Australia to share in around $9 million of funding to support local journalism,” he said.
“This is a standout publication in the Mid North of SA, providing locals with excellent news coverage, sports news and community news.
“We are very lucky to have the calibre of local newspapers in Grey like the Plains Producer.
“These papers are the best medium to provide the sort of journalism that shines a light on the major issues confronting communities and keeps residents socially aware.
“The Plains Producer does this extremely well and I congratulate them on this funding success.”
Mr Ramsey said the Plains Producer will upgrade desktop hardware, publishing software and purchase a new phone system with the grant funding.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher, said in the digital age the sector is facing profound and continuing change and the funding will help regional publishers invest for the future.
“The Morrison Government recognises the challenges facing regional publishers and local newspapers as they reshape their business models to deal with the digital landscape and put themselves on more sustainable footings for the future,” Minister Fletcher said.
“These grants provide regional our publishers with the opportunity to invest in new technologies to support news gathering skills development and digital initiatives.”
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744
