The ABC and AAP have launched a one-year content-sharing trial designed to support regional news providers during public emergencies.
The partnership will see ABC News digital articles about public emergencies across regional Australia shared for free with 40 selected local digital news providers.
AAP will provide the distribution infrastructure through its Newsroom web portal, giving participating publishers a streamlined way to access ABC content during emergencies.
The initiative comes amid ongoing pressure on local news services in regional Australia. Since 2019, more than 200 local newspapers have reportedly cut services or closed, reducing the number of journalists and original local news sources.
The ABC said its national footprint, which includes 68 sites across Australia and 58 regional locations, can help address the issue of “news deserts” by supporting local providers with public safety journalism.
Justin Stevens, ABC Director, News, said collaboration across the media sector was needed to support local journalism.
“The ABC and AAP recognise that collaboration across the media sector is essential to addressing the challenges facing local news providers and supporting the sustainability of quality local journalism, which is a critical part of a healthy democracy,” Stevens said.
“At the same time, we’ll enhance Australians’ access to the ABC’s essential and trusted news and information at times when they need it the most, ensuring communities remain informed during times of crisis.”
Justin Stevens
How the trial will work
From today, eligible news providers can register their interest in the trial by emailing [email protected]. Applications close on Monday, 25 May.
To be eligible, applicants must be local news outlets in regional Australia with an established digital audience and a reputable public news service.
Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to public-interest journalism, show a clear need for additional support in covering emergencies and public-safety events, have a complaints-handling system, and be a member of a relevant media association.
Emma Cowdroy, AAP CEO, said the national newswire was well placed to support the ABC-led initiative.
“AAP has been distributing news to every corner of Australia for over 90 years. We are proud to support this ABC-led initiative by providing the infrastructure to deliver critical public-interest journalism to local newsrooms across the country,” Cowdroy said.
Emma Cowdroy
The application process will be supported by the independent Deakin University-led Australian Local News Resilience Project, which encourages collaboration across the local news sector.
The pilot is planned to begin in July.