On June 1st, 2020, media watch on the ABC bemoaned the loss of regional journalism with the closure of the regional newspapers. Paul Barry said the greatest loss was that there would be no one to hold local government to account like the local newspapers could do.
Media Watch and Holding them to Account
On June 1st, 2020, media watch on the ABC bemoaned the loss of regional journalism with the closure of the regional newspapers. Paul Barry said the greatest loss was that there would be no one to hold local government to account like the local newspapers could do.
In South Gippsland I feel that we lost the ability to hold the local government to account a couple of years ago. Over the last 12 months since Council increased the advertising budget for the local press, the local press might have felt restricted in what they could say, and maybe they might feel they could lose their revenue if they were too forthright.
With the closure of the Star and “opening” of two online newspapers-The Paper, and South Gippsland Voices, it will be interesting how Council treats all involved going forward. To date, only this newspaper has held local government to account on any level.
Normally, all local papers received advertising from Council. When Council increased its advertising spend 12 months ago, all newspapers received increased advertising dollars. Suddenly whole colour pages appeared advertising a wide and diverse range of Council activities. The usual weekly bulletin board for example went from a small block advert to a whole page with colour.
With one less hard copy paper and two new online ones, will Council continue to provide advertising to all or choose only some to receive advertisements?
This newspaper will make enquiries and offer to take advertising but we say upfront that we will not be doing cash for comment arrangements so will continue to hold to account the decision making at local government in South Gippsland, regardless of any advertising dollars that might come our way.
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