The first of two public hearings into the adequacy of regional and local news services and how to strengthen them, takes place next Monday, February 28.

Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts Anne Webster has called the hearings on February 28 (from 10am to 5.15 pm AEDT) and March 1 (from 10am to 5pm AEDT) to hear from “a range of witnesses including government bodies, major media companies, academics, regional newspapers, and regional and remote local councils”.

She says the committee wants to hear views on the effects of the pandemic on the delivery of news services in regional areas, the effect of the News Media Bargaining Code particularly on small publishers, and the impact of suspending the publication of print editions in regional communities.

“The hearings will provide an opportunity to consider all viewpoints, discuss key issues and importantly find potential solutions to maintain locally produced journalism and strengthen tailored news coverage of regional Australia.”

Submissions to the inquiry have closed, as has an online survey (although its SurveyMonkey link still exists). No date is given for presentation of the report, called last December 22 by communications minister Paul Fletcher.

Other committee members are: Labor– Emma McBride (deputy chair), Josh Burns, Patrick Gorman, Liberal– Katie Allen, Trent Zimmerman; Liberal National– Angie Bell; Nationals– Damian Drum.

Pictured: The Australian Parliament House during the Enlighten Festival in 2011