ABC to Share Digital News Content with Local Media During Major Events
The ABC has announced a proposal to share its digital news content with local news outlets in regional, rural, and remote Australia during major events affecting their communities. This initiative aims to enhance access to essential news and information for all Australians and support the sustainability of local journalism.
Details of the Initiative
Hugh Marks, Managing Director of the ABC, outlined the plan, emphasizing that it would provide regional outlets with access to ABC NEWS digital content on significant events. These events include road, rail, and air incidents, extreme weather, public health crises, violent protests, major power outages, telecommunications failures, and transport system shutdowns.
With reporting from 68 sites throughout Australia, including 58 regional locations, the ABC possesses an unparalleled newsgathering presence, enabling them to provide comprehensive coverage.
Supporting Local Journalism
The proposal builds on the ABC's longstanding commitment to collaborate with media in the interests of audiences. Hugh Marks stated, "The ABC is the most trusted source of news during major events. By sharing our content with regional outlets we’re ensuring every Australian can access reliable information about breaking events affecting their community." He also emphasized the initiative's role in strengthening the sustainability of local journalism, which has been impacted by newsroom cutbacks.
"This initiative will also help strengthen the sustainability of local journalism. Newsroom cutbacks have made it increasingly difficult for local news providers, potentially leading to significant gaps in coverage. I’m committed to leading an ABC that supports local news sustainability." - Hugh Marks, ABC Managing Director
Impact and Rationale
Justin Stevens, ABC Director of News, highlighted the ABC's expertise in providing reliable, high-quality news and information to regional communities. He acknowledged the resource constraints faced by local producers and emphasized the national interest in reaching as many Australians as possible during major events.
"This is the coverage in which the ABC excels – using its unrivalled news network to provide reliable, high-quality news and information to regional communities while adding important context for national audiences." - Justin Stevens, ABC Director, News
Research and Collaboration
The initiative is informed by the Australian Local News Resilience Project, an ABC-backed Australian Research Council project led by Deakin University with Griffith University. The project identified emergency news coverage as a priority area for collaboration. It’s estimated that since 2019, over 200 local newspapers in regional Australia have significantly cut their service or closed, leading to decreased media diversity and increased vulnerability to misinformation.
Expert Perspective
Professor Kristy Hess from Deakin University, Project Lead on the Australian Local News Resilience Project, noted that sharing emergency content would help many small local news producers whose resources are often stretched. She added that this content will enhance the quality of coverage for the benefit of communities during critical times.
"Sharing emergency content will help many small local news producers whose resources are often stretched to the limit. During these times local journalists are on the ground reporting, as well as trying to cover all the other local news relevant to their area, so this content will enhance the quality of coverage for the benefit of communities." - Professor Kristy Hess, Deakin University
Eligibility and Implementation
To be eligible for the scheme, outlets must be genuine media organizations providing a reputable public news service to an established audience, have a robust system for handling complaints, and be a member of a relevant media association. The ABC will continue consulting with regional providers on implementation during 2026.
