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Regional newspaper services under review

Maeve BannisterAAP
Many regional newspapers suspended publication in 2020 due to advertising losses.
Camera IconMany regional newspapers suspended publication in 2020 due to advertising losses. Credit: AAP

Newspapers in regional Australia will be the focus of a new parliamentary inquiry into how local mastheads are fairing in the digital age.

A recent survey by The Conversation found Australians who live in regional communities are far more likely to go to their local news or newspaper website for information than other sources.

A committee will examine how many new operators have joined the regional market and the impact of the News Media Bargaining Code on local newspapers.

Many regional newsrooms suspended publication in 2020 due to advertising losses.

The House of Representatives communications and arts committee will examine the impact of this decision on communities.

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In a statement, Nationals MP Anne Webster said it was vital for the federal government to understand the needs of regional communities and their reliance on local newspapers to stay connected.

The committee is calling for input via submissions due by January 28, 2022.

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