Ahead of its upcoming election announcement, Australia’s Labor government has announced $11.3 million in grants exclusively for multicultural media and a group that promotes them.
The funding across three years is “in recognition of the critical role of the independent multicultural media sector in fostering an inclusive and informed society”, the announcement says.
Of the cash, up to $10 million is for a “competitive grant programme” for media organisations to transition to sustainable new media practices, and $1.3 million is “operational funding” for not-for-profit Independent Multicultural Media Australia.
IMMA says its 33 members represent Greek, Italian, Chinese, Jewish, Vietnamese, Indian, Pakistani, Arabic, Indonesian, Indian, Persian, African, Bangladeshi and other independent multicultural media.
A joint release by communications minister Michelle Rowland and assistant citizenship and multicultural affairs minister Julian Hill says the new funding is in addition to the government’s four-year $153.5 million commitment to implement News MAP, as well as the extra $27 million for community broadcasting.
Hill says independent multicultural media outlets are “the most trusted source of news and information for many Australians.
“It’s absolutely critical that they continue so all Australians have access to quality journalism, and avoid succumbing to rumours and misinformation permeating social media, WhatsApp and other online groups.
He says the government is acting on advice from the Multicultural Framework Review, which highlighted the need for government support.
Rowland spoke of the importance of an independent and diverse multicultural media sector “at the heart of local communities”, and its “vital contribution to media diversity”.
Photo IMMA