News Media Assistance Program

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 in grants for the news sector, comprising:
    • $67.6 million for the Journalism Assistance Fund (JAF). The JAF will provide grants over 3 years from 2025-26 to Australian news publishers producing core news content that is distributed digitally.
    • A $31.5 million News Innovation Fund (NIF). The NIF is informed by the News and Journalism Roundtable. Further details to be provided in 2026.
  • $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.
  • $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.

Journalism Assistance Fund

The Government officially announced and launched the Journalism Assistance Fund (JAF) on 21 November 2025. As part of News MAP, the JAF will invest $67.6 million to support the sustainability of Australian news publishers by providing a proportion of the wages for journalists producing core news content that is distributed digitally.

Under the JAF, eligible applicants will be able to receive $39,000 for each eligible full-time-equivalent journalist they employ over the grant period, from 2025-26 to 2027-2028.

Eligible applicants can now apply. Applications will close at 5pm AEST 30 April 2026, or until funding is exhausted. Application details and Grant Opportunity Guidelines are available at business.gov.au/JAF.

News and Journalism Roundtable

On 13 November 2025, the department convened a roundtable to inform the design and targeting of capacity-building mechanisms for the Australian news sector, and sought feedback from 26 attendees representing news producers, peak bodies and academia on the design of the second tranche of News MAP grants, the $31.5 million News Innovation Fund (NIF). The NIF aims to encourage new or enhanced business practices to support the sustainability of Australian news producers and the production of public interest journalism.

The roundtable provided valuable insights and feedback on the issues facing the Australian news sector and options for the design of innovation grants to support the sector.

News Media Relief Program

In 2024-25, the News Media Relief Program provided over $12 million to eligible regional, independent suburban, multicultural and First Nations news publishers creating news content distributed online.

The grants supported more than 1000 journalists across 98 regional, 22 suburban, 3 First Nations and 24 multicultural media organisations.

The program delivered 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.