JOURNAL ARTICLE

The importance of collaboration in meeting Australia's local news challenges.

  • Published In: Australian Journalism Review, 2025, v. 47, n. 2. P. 143 1 of 3

  • Database: Communication Source 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Hess, Kristy; Ross, Angela; McAdam, Alison; Forde, Susan; Blakston, Angela; Ricketson, Matthew; Martin, Hugh 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the crisis in local journalism across regional Australia, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to the closure or significant reduction of over 200 local newspapers and the rise of "zombie" outlets that lack genuine local presence. It discusses research efforts to develop an evidence-based approach, including a Local News Proximity Index, to identify news deserts and support collaboration among local news providers under the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the country's main public broadcaster. Drawing on international models like the BBC's Local Democracy Reporting programme, the article highlights the potential for targeted partnerships to sustain and enhance local public interest journalism, especially in underserved rural and remote areas. It also outlines the ABC's existing collaborative initiatives with Indigenous and community media and proposes the formation of an Australian Local News Resilience Alliance to strengthen local news ecosystems while preserving content diversity.

Additional Information

  • Source:Australian Journalism Review. 2025/12, Vol. 47, Issue 2, p143
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Geography and Cartography
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0810-2686
  • DOI:10.1386/ajr_00189_7
  • Accession Number:190444050
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