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Victorian Government signs three-year deal with AAP worth almost $2.7m

State government support for the Australian Associated Press newswire will benefit regional media outlets across Victoria.

As part of a three-year deal, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced today the AAP will support regional newspapers and radio bulletins with almost $2.7 million over three years.

“Local newspapers, radio and television outlets are vital to our regional communities, providing the range of voices and local information needed to make informed decisions,” he said.

“That’s why we’re proud to announce further support that will help ensure the long-term sustainability of regional media outlets and jobs for journalists right across Victoria.”

Each day, AAP files more than 220 stories and 400 photographs on politics, sport, courts, finance and major news events for almost fifty regional newspapers and radio stations throughout Victoria.

Many regional media outlets rely on the AAP’s broad coverage to keep their audiences informed of local news. As part of the agreement, AAP will also enhance the quality of its regional news content for the whole state and country.

The newswire is committed to providing independent, factual news to support its regional subscribers, who cannot cover all areas themselves, AAP chief executive Lisa Davies said.

“This grant enables us to focus more on regional Victoria, plus increase coverage of state politics and policy for the benefit of all Victorians and a national audience,” she added.

The Andrews government provided a $20 million press support package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regional papers will receive advertising support until the end of 2022 to help them recover from the global pandemic.

Last week, Nine Entertainment Co.’s newspapers signed a six-month trial with the AAP, two years after the media company opted to – along with co-majority shareholder News Corp – close the newswire service.

Davies told Mumbrella regional media in Australia is currently in a state of crisis, and has been for several years, yet remains buoyed by the existence of the newswire service.

Catch the full conversation with Davies on this week’s Mumbrellacast, available now below or on your favourite podcast app.

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