Across the globe we’re seeing an increasing level of polarisation in politics. But is that reflective of what’s going on in our communities? Much of our media landscape would have you think we’re fighting with our neighbours, where the reality for most of us is that we just want to know what’s going on from someone we can trust and we’re quite capable of making rational and logical decisions about the issues that impact our lives from there.
That’s what public interest journalism does. It tells us something about where we live, the topics we care about and the people in our communities. Without it, we’re just people living in the same general area. News helps us understand each other’s perspectives, when gathered, analysed and summarised under professional editorial standards—things like accuracy, transparency, fairness and accountability.
That’s why the theme of the national fundraising campaign for the Local & Independent News Association (LINA) is Our News, Your Voice. Glen Innes News is the news service, but your voice is what matters in the public dialogue.
LINA member publishers, like Glen Innes News, are embedded in the communities they serve. Glen Innes News is part of a movement of 166 newsrooms across the country which collectively share over 2,000 stories per week that would otherwise remain untold. These are the voices of your community, represented in news media. These are the stories that connect us, reported by people with knowledge of the area because this is what we live and breathe. In a media landscape that’s increasingly syndicated with content produced by centralised services from Sydney, news services informed by subject-matter expertise are particularly valuable.
It’s no secret that undertaking this work is not for the faint-hearted. Business models sustained by advertising and user fees have weakened globally, while demand for local news content delivered via multimedia channels continues to expand. Over 9 million readers get their news from LINA member publishers each month. Audiences often expect to access news content for free, but journalism is not free to produce. This tension has seen the closure of newsrooms across the country. Now, newsrooms must call on readers to contribute to their work, after all, it is our news, but it’s your voice that’s represented.
Please consider donating to Glen Innes News to help ensure that Glen Innes continues to have a local newspaper.
There are several ways to make a donation to Glen Innes News:
Online – donations can be made securely right here on our website. Click here to donate
Bank Deposit – Deposits can be made directly into our bank account online or at any Regional Australia Bank branch
Account name: Tablelands Community Media Inc
Account number: 100538409
BSB: 932000
Cash – Donation boxes are located at Glen Innes Newsagency & Gifts and Home Living
