Inquiry into regional newspapers

AUSTRALIA'S regional news services will be the focus of a new Parliamentary inquiry. The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts will hear evidence on newspaper services in rural, regional and remote areas. Committee chair Dr Anne Webster MP said that local news is a vital component to an interconnected community, and a thriving democracy. "Particularly so in smaller markets, having a choice in where to access your news coverage is not always possible," she said A recent survey has found that Australians living in regional communities are far more likely to go to their local news or newspaper website for information than other accessible online sources like search engines, social media sites or local council websites. "At a time when many regional and remote newspaper services are shutting down or moving online, it is vital that we understand the needs of regional communities, and how heavily they rely on their local newspapers to stay connected," Dr Webster said. As part of the inquiry the committee will examine the impact of decisions by large publishers to suspend publication of print editions; entry into these or other markets by new operators, particularly small businesses; impact of the NewsMedia Bargaining Code for regional and remote newspapers; and the economic recovery in regional and remote markets from the impacts of COVID, and whether this has led to advertising revenue improving. The terms of reference are available from the inquiry webpage at https://www.aph.gov.au/ Communications. Submissions can also be made through the webpage, or by email to communications.reps@aph.gov.au until January 28.