A number of local media organisations will receive Federal Government grants to help fund cadet journalists.

Local companies which have won the funding include:
• Alexandra Newspapers Pty Ltd (which publishes the Alexandra-Eildon-Marysville Standard and Yea Chronicle),
• Mail News Group Pty Ltd (whose publications include the Mountain Views Mail),
• McPherson Newspapers Pty Ltd (whose publications include the Seymour Telegraph),
• The North Central Review Pty Ltd (which also publishes the Whittlesea Review and Free Press),
• North East Media Pty Ltd (whose network includes the Mansfield Courier)
• Star News Group Pty Ltd.

Local Media Pty Ltd, which publishes The Local Paper, did not apply for funding under the Grants program for cadet journalists. Local Media Pty Ltd has applied for a competitive grant for an innovation project. Details of successful applicants for those grants are yet to be announced.

Cadetships are being supported via a wage subsidy, with grants of up to $40,000 (GST exclusive) per journalism cadet. There is a requirement that employing organisations match the government funding.

The Federal Government today (Wed.) announced the successful recipients under the first round of the Regional and Small Publishers Cadetships Program.

Minister for Communications and the Arts, Mitch Fifield, said $1.78 million was being shared between 41 media organisations across Australia.

The grants will help budding journalists develop career skills in media organisations and enhance public interest journalism in regional and remote areas.

“This funding is important to ensure the journalism profession continues to attract Australia’s best and brightest individuals, and encourage them to stay working in regional communities,” Minister Fifield said.

“Many smaller media organisations are struggling to adapt to the rapidly changing media environment and these grants will help them navigate the challenges this presents.”

A number of high quality applications were received under the program, and this has allowed the Government to fund a diverse range of opportunities.