Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he is very pleased the Yorke Peninsula Country Times been awarded $161,711 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 YPCT 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 on the Yorke Peninsula 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 YPCT.
“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 YPCT does this extremely well and I congratulate them on this funding success.”
Mr Ramsey said the YPCT will develop a new website including a new newsroom content management system and provide training to staff 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
