Media stalwarts join independent news campaign
A grassroots campaign to support a regional South-East newspaper has the backing of some of the industry’s biggest names.
Independent news outlet The Naracoorte News launched a new philanthropic campaign called REACH 900.
The campaign is designed to support the production, sustainability and longevity of independent news in the region and enable The News to continue advocating for its local community.
The outlet, which was established in 2020 to bridge the gap left by the suspension of independent outlet The Naracoorte Herald, is aiming to receive $100 donations from 900 people, representing of about 10 per cent of the area’s population, which it said would support operations for the next five years.
The Naracoorte News founder and volunteer Michael Waite said campaign would enable the publication to advocate for local communities and hold governments accountable.
“Philanthropic support from REACH 900 will help us to continue to level the playing field between The News’ community and the local, state and federal governments with transparency,” Waite said.
The Naracoorte News has been a strong advocate in the past, playing an instrumental role in extending the opening hours of Lucindale Health Centre and exposing the staff shortages affecting schools across the region.
7News reporter Casey Treloar, who is a third-generation dairy farmer and news presenter in the region, is an ambassador for the campaign, and explained that her support stemmed from an understanding of the importance of independent news for regional communities.
“It is the vital link between locals and the council, government, businesses and community organisations. It’s about ensuring the community has a voice on issues that matter most to its residents and hold those in power to account,” she said.
The Naracoorte News senior journalist Nasik Swami saw his support as a way to give back to his local community.
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“When I applied for the job, I knew nothing about Naracoorte. I had only been in Australia for six months, living in Melbourne. But the way the community accepted me and hearing all the great stories of the people at The News before me drew me in,” Swami said.
Another early supporter of the campaign, The Australian associate editor John Ferguson, said a functioning press was one of the most important components of a community, especially “at a time when governments at every level seek to exploit the fracturing of media to maintain power.”
Those interested in supporting the campaign can sign up on The Naracoorte News website.
