Local and independent newsrooms in Australia are in the midst of a week-long fundraising campaign… which just happens to coincide with the last days of the federal election campaign.

The Local & Independent News Association initiative, ‘Our News. Your Voice’, runs until Sunday, May 8.

The week-long campaign unites 52 local and independent digital newsrooms across Australia in a collective effort to secure community support for grassroots journalism.

It follows the success of the 2024 campaign, which raised $184,000 for 32 newsrooms through 941 individual donations and matched funds. LINA is again inviting Australians to contribute directly to their local news outlets via unique donation pages.

Philanthropic support means that the first $10,000 raised will be doubled by matched funding, amplifying the impact of each contribution.

LINA executive director Claire Stuchbery (pictured) says member newsrooms are “the green shoots of an industry in crisis.

“The news industry has been struggling through a period of transition for years now and we’re starting to see independent newsrooms emerge to fill gaps in information for local communities, along with print news services expanding their distribution channels to meet audience demand in digital spaces,” she said.

“Many of these news services were started by community-minded individuals who identified ‘news deserts’ in their local areas, which were lacking timely, verified information during emergencies, accountability from local authorities, and a record of events to bring the community together. They reflect the communities we live in.

“As we head to the polls this week, I’m reminded once again of how important independent news is to counter misinformation and support people to make informed voting decisions.”

LINA’s membership has grown to include newsrooms in all states and territories across Australia, publishing public interest journalism and meeting high editorial standards for fairness, independence and accountability and other requirements of professional news outlets.

Stuchbery points to the need for investment and innovation to develop sustainable news business models online, “difficult for newsrooms already pushed to the limits trying to produce quality, public interest journalism in a rapid news cycle.

“Providing quality journalism is a public service – every community needs a news service, just as it needs doctors, teachers and firefighters. But it can be difficult to get people to pay for this.”

Above: LINA members at their Melbourne summit this year