Local newspaper deal a ‘warning bell’ to policy-makers

In late September, at the launch of the federal government’s new cultural strategy, federal Heritage Minister Melanie Joly stated unequivocally that government “will not bail out industry models that are no longer viable.”

Less than two months later, the minister’s inaction has led to the closure of several community newspapers.

In the wake of this announcement, the minister doubled down with another terse comment, calling the closures “cynical”.

From what we’ve heard, that’s not the tone shared by many of the community newspapers affected.

What do community newspapers mean to their communities? Check out this piece in the Northumberland Today.