Ted O’Brien MP, Federal Member for Fairfax, has announced that applications are now open for grants of up to $1 million to assist small publishers in Fairfax to stay competitive in today’s changing media environment.
The Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund will provide up to
$16 million in grants per year over three years to support the growth and continuation of quality public interest journalism in Australia.
Mr O’Brien said the grants provide small publishers in Fairfax with a fantastic opportunity to remain at the cutting edge.
“These grants will open new doors for small publishers and help them keep up with the changing media environment. I strongly encourage small publishers on the Sunshine Coast to apply,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The media industry is undergoing a huge transition period and regional and small publishers are feeling the pressure from new and emerging digital platforms. These grants will help relieve that pressure by providing extra funding to help them compete,” said Minister for Communications, Mitch Fifield.
Funding is available for projects such as purchasing or upgrading equipment and software, developing apps, business activities that drive revenue and readership and training.
The Fund was announced as part of the Government’s comprehensive 2017 Broadcasting and Content Reform package and will be administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority who will run competitive funding rounds each year.
Applications for the current round of funding close on 27 July 2018.
To submit an application or find out more about the Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund visit: www.acma.gov.au/theacma/innovation-fund-for-regional-and-small-publishers
A fact sheet on the grants is below.