News Media Assistance Program
The News Media Assistance Program (News MAP) sets out a framework and measures to support public interest journalism and media diversity in Australia—recognising these are critical to a healthy democracy, social cohesion and informed citizens.
News MAP Policy Framework
Informed by public consultation, the Australian Government released the News MAP Policy Framework in December 2024. The framework guides evidence-based and targeted government support that addresses ongoing pressures in the news sector, while balancing the need to maintain the sector’s independence. It outlines the key policy objectives of ensuring access, diversity, press freedom, quality, citizen engagement and representation in Australian news.
News MAP Measures
The government is investing in a package of measures to preserve local news, and support innovation and resilience for news organisations, including:
- $99.1 million over 3 years from 2025–26 in grants for the news sector
- $33 million over 3 years from 2025–26 to support the financial sustainability of the Australian Associated Press
- a mandated minimum commitment of $3.0 million per year for 2 years from 2025-26 for regional newspaper advertising across the total Commonwealth media advertising spend
- $15 million in 2024–25 for the News Media Relief Program with grants to eligible regional, independent, suburban, multicultural and First Nations news publishers creating online news content
- $10.5 million over 4 years from 2024-25 to the Australian Communications and Media Authority to implement the Media Diversity Measurement Framework
- development of Australia's first National Media Literacy Strategy over the next 3 years.
An expert advisory panel will soon be established to provide independent assessment and specialised advice in the allocation of funding to news organisations, as well as the design and targeting of mechanisms.
News Media Relief Program
The $15 million News Media Relief Program is providing grants to eligible regional, independent suburban, multicultural and First Nations news publishers creating news content distributed online.
The program will deliver critical support to local and community news outlets that play a vital role in keeping Australians up to date with the matters and events that impact them—strengthening the health and diversity of the Australian media sector.
Australia's first National Media Literacy Strategy
As part of News MAP, the government has committed to developing Australia's first National Media Literacy Strategy. All Australians, regardless of their circumstances, should be supported to critically engage with media and information.
The National Strategy will establish the key skills and competencies Australians need to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital world. A three-year development timeframe will ensure a robust government led co-design process with the media literacy research and education sectors, as well as communities. The Strategy is expected to be completed in 2028.
ACMA Media Diversity Measurement Framework
As part of News MAP, the government announced $10.5 million for the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to implement its Media Diversity Measurement Framework, which monitors the state of the Australian news market and measures the levels of diversity across print, radio, TV and online news media landscape.
In March 2025, the ACMA published the first report. This ongoing series will provide an opportunity to examine and update the measurement Framework and identify new sources of data and research, giving us a more comprehensive picture of news media diversity in Australia over time.