Greens Spokesperson for Communications and Media Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has welcomed the Government’s announcement of $5 million in funding to save newswire service AAP.
Senator Hanson-Young said:
“Earlier this week, I called on the Government to ensure the survival of AAP as they consider options for protecting public interest journalism through the ACCC News Media Code. I am glad that after months of uncertainty, the Government has finally come to the table with the support AAP needs.”
“AAP is key media infrastructure that helps new players into the market and diversity across Australia’s media landscape. Allowing AAP to collapse would entrench the power of big media companies, NewsCorp and Nine and lock out smaller and new players in the industry.”
“The current pandemic has shown us how important it is to have local and regional news. AAP is an essential part of making sure that all Australian communities have access to local news.”
“While today’s announcement has secured AAP’s short term future and will assist AAP’s transition to it’s new not-for-profit model, the newswire service may require the further government support in the future. I urge the Government to consider recurrent funding to ensure the viability of the of AAP so it can continue to play an essential role in ensuring that Australia has a strong and diverse public interest journalism industry.
“Another essential component of the Australian news industry is the ABC. To protect public interest journalism in Australia, I call on the Government to stop their relentless attacks on our national broadcaster and include the ABC and SBS in the upcoming legislation for the ACCC News Media Code.”
Skip to content