The News Media Assistance Program (News MAP) supports 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 to support Australian news publishers through the Journalism Assistance Fund and News Innovation Fund
- $48 million over 3 years from 2025–26 to support the financial sustainability of the Australian Associated Press, including $15 million announced in the 2026-27 Budget
- a minimum commitment of $3 million per year for 2 years from 2025-26 for regional newspaper advertising across Australian Government media advertising expenditure
- $10.5 million over 4 years from 2023-24 to implement the Media Diversity Measurement Framework through the Australian Communications and Media Authority
- development of Australia's first National Media Literacy Strategy.
Programs and Initiatives
News MAP includes a range of funding programs and initiatives designed to support the sustainability, diversity and resilience of Australia's news media sector.
Journalism Assistance Fund
The Journalism Assistance Fund (JAF) is investing $67.6 million to support the sustainability of Australian news publishers by contributing funding towards journalist wage costs.
The fund provides $39,000 for each eligible full-time-equivalent journalist employed by successful applicants over the grant period, from 2025-26 to 2027-28.
With 185 successful applicants, the grants are supporting over 2,000 journalists across 93 regional, 23 culturally and linguistically diverse, 22 suburban and 2 First Nations news publishers creating news content distributed online.
Applications closed on 19 December 2025 and all funding is now fully allocated.
Learn more about the Journalism Assistance Fund.
News Innovation Fund
The News Innovation Fund launched on 22 April 2026 to help Australian newsrooms innovate and adapt to the evolving media landscape.
Grants ranging from $10,000 to $9 million will help news producers and enabling organisations expand their reach, develop new revenue streams and build organisation capability through two funding streams: Journalism Production and Organisational Support.
Under the Journalism Production stream, funding supports activities that increase the production and distribution of digital core news content. This may include projects that improve or expand existing news coverage, build newsroom capacity through training or staffing, or support the development of journalism in under-represented areas and for underserved audiences.
Under the Organisational Support stream, funding supports internal capacity building and commercial sustainability. This may include projects that develop business resources, diversify revenue or other support for digital core news producers, or create efficiencies across multiple organisations in the delivery of digital core news content.
Applications closed on 4 June 2026 and are currently under assessment.
National Media Literacy Strategy
News MAP includes the development of Australia's first National Media Literacy Strategy (the strategy). The strategy will establish the key skills Australians need to better equip themselves to critically engage with news and media.
Following a competitive tender process, Whereto Research has been engaged to work with the government to develop the strategy in consultation with academic, industry and community stakeholders. Whereto Research has partnered with the University of Melbourne to deliver the strategy, and it is expected to be completed in 2028.
ACMA Media Diversity Measurement Framework
As part of News MAP, $10.5 million has been provided to the ACMA to implement its Media Diversity Measurement Framework, which monitors diversity across Australia’s print, radio, television and online news sectors.
The framework helps build a better understanding of Australia’s news media landscape over time through ongoing reporting and research.
ACMA published the first Media Diversity Measurement Framework report in 2025.
Investing in LGBTQIA+ Community Connection Program
The Investing in LGBTQIA+ Community Connection Program supports community connection, participation and empowerment by strengthening LGBTQIA+ media and amplifying diverse voices. Through the program, digital publishers QNews, OUTinPerth and the Star Observer each received an equal share of $78,000 to continue producing news that informs and connects LGBTQIA+ communities across Australia, including Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. The program also delivered a $250,000 commitment to JOY Media, Australia's first and only LGBTQIA+ community radio station based in Melbourne.
This Program was a 2025 election commitment and does not form part of the News MAP.
Applications closed on 10 October 2025 and all funding is now fully allocated.
Learn how the program is supporting LGBTQIA+ media and communities.