Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed welcomed the Victorian Government’s injection of $2.7 million to the Australian Associated Press, which will assist news coverage in regional areas.

Ms Sheed has constantly highlighted the importance of regional media to the Victorian Government and has stressed how it has been declining year after year.

“I was delighted that back in February the Premier Daniel Andrews responded to a question I raised in Parliament by committing to amend a bill so as to require the publication of government notices in local print media instead of a proposed online platform,” Ms Sheed said.

“Today marks another win for regional media outlets, with the backing of a three-year grant for AAP, an organisation that provides professional news stories to print and broadcast media outlets across the country.

“Our local news plays an important role in our community. It offers a platform to raise local issues and advocate for better services as well as informing regional areas about what is happening in our communities.

“Country newspapers in regional Victoria have suffered during their transition to digitisation and this impact was exacerbated during the lockdown period of the pandemic.

“I am delighted to see that this grant will help AAP employ the journalists and resources it needs to provide news service to other media outlets in our regional areas.”

ENDS

Media contact

Elaine Cooney 0447 820 466 | elaine.cooney@parliament.vic.gov.au

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