Labor has promised further advertising revenue for regional newspapers across Victoria, including the News, should the party be re-elected this month.
Premier Daniel Andrews said media outlets were crucial in delivering news in times of need, including this year’s flooding event and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The election promise came after Labor invested $20 million while in government to support media outlets during the pandemic and a further $2.7 million grant for Australian Associated Press.
Mr Andrews said this pledge would help media outlets maintain advertising revenue into the future.
“Whether it’s a bushfire, a flood emergency or a global pandemic, time and time again we have seen regional newspapers step up and serve their communities in incredibly important ways,” Mr Andrews said.
He said the guarantee was a chance to back media outlets into the future.
“Labor is doing what matters — backing regional media outlets with guaranteed advertising revenue so they can keep supporting their local communities,” he said.