The Albanese Government has announced a groundbreaking Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy designed to broaden access to credible news sources, deliver high-quality content, and promote engagement across the region.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, said in a statement: “Media plays a crucial role in elevating the voices and perspectives of our region and strengthening democracy.”
“The Government is committed to supporting viable, resilient and independent media in the region, by deepening media connections and sharing content that builds a richer understanding of modern, multicultural Australia.”
This initiative, a key election promise by the Labor Party, aims to strengthen Australia’s ties with neighbouring countries, re-establishing the nation as a preferred partner in the pursuit of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world.
Central to the Strategy is the goal of cultivating a vibrant and independent media sector, combating misinformation, portraying modern multicultural Australia, and fostering deeper people-to-people connections.
Key Focus Areas of the Strategy:
- Engaging Content Creation: The Strategy will support the development and distribution of compelling Australian content that not only captivates audiences but also underscores Australia’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.
- Trusted Media Access: Efforts will be made to enhance regional access to reliable media sources, including news and current affairs, ensuring communities receive accurate information.
- Strengthening Media Capacity: The Strategy aims to bolster the media infrastructure and capabilities within the region, facilitating stronger links between Australian and Indo-Pacific media and content creators.
To aid media organisations across the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and South Asia in providing quality media services, the Government is launching the Indo-Pacific Media Fund. One of the inaugural initiatives of this fund is to assist the Australian Associated Press in offering targeted training and access to news content in the Pacific.
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy MP, added: “Australia and the Pacific share close cultural and people-to-people links, and an enduring love of sport. These connections will be further enriched by the boost in Australian content, allowing us to watch, read, and listen to shared stories across the region – from rugby to news and music.”
“We also look forward to continuing and expanding our support for media development, including through the new phase of the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme and future opportunities through the Australia-Pacific Media and Broadcasting Partnership.”
The Government is investing $40.5 million over five years from 2022-23 in the ABC to create new content, enhance digital engagement, offer continuous support to media partners in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, and extend Radio Australia’s FM reach across the Pacific.
Additionally, the PacificAus TV initiative will receive $28.4 million over the same period to reinforce the sustainability of Pacific regional media and broaden access to Australian commercial television programs.
These contributions build upon Australia’s long-standing support for the region, such as the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme and the PNG-focused Media Development Initiative, which have bolstered the resilience, independence, and professionalism of the Pacific media sector for over a decade.
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, observed: “This Strategy continues Australia’s longstanding commitment to supporting a robust media sector in our region.”
“By leveraging Australia’s strengths, we can partner with the region to boost media connections, and foster a diverse and sustainable media landscape.”
To reflect the diverse media landscapes and Australia’s multifaceted relationships across the region, the Strategy is complemented by the Australia-Pacific Media and Broadcasting Partnership, the Australia-Southeast Asia Media and Broadcasting Initiative, and the Australia-South Asia Media and Broadcasting Initiative.
This comprehensive approach underscores Australia’s commitment to fostering a well-informed and interconnected Indo-Pacific region.
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