A new group for the hyperlocal news industry in Australia, launched today with the support of two existing organisations.

Backed by the Judith Neilson Institute and the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, the Local and Independent News Association (LINA) is a response to the need of community publishers for more than just financial support.

JNI executive director Mark Ryan said that after years of working with hyperlocal news publishers and editors “it became clear that philanthropic grants alone are not the long-term solution to ensure the viability of these important media outlets”.

Joint research showed that the most significant challenges were building and maintaining sustainable revenue streams and using technology to maximise reach.

The new association aims to help existing hyperlocal media to survive and grow, and to encourage new entrants by providing capacity-building support, expert advice and access to critical third-party services.

It will also help to create a network to support peer-to-peer learning through online and in-person forums, conferences, and a digital library of resources, including style guides and content templates.

It promises strategic, technology and operational advice, help with sustainable business models and issues such as code of ethics implementation.

"Hyperlocal news outlets, new and legacy, are vital to Australian democracy and culture,” says Ryan. “They tell the stories that matter to local communities, advocate for them and contribute to social and community cohesion.

“We want to play a part in reducing the number and scale of news deserts in Australia. LINA will be an organisation that helps hyperlocal news businesses develop sustainable business models.

“Often these organisations are teams of two or three people who simply don’t have the existing experience, or the time, to build their businesses in the most efficient and effective way possible, but they have a clear vision and passion for covering the stories that matter to their community."

Visit the LINA website for more details.