The news of more job losses in our sector with News Corp Australasia's announcement today breaks our heart.

Headlines today such as "Hundreds of jobs to go as News Corp confirms restructure" and "News Corp to cut jobs in restructure towards digital-only community and regional newspapers" fill our news feeds.

"COVID-19 has impacted the sustainability of community and regional publishing. Despite the audiences of News Corp’s digital mastheads growing more than 60 per cent as Australians turned to trusted media sources during the peak of the recent COVID-19 lockdowns, print advertising spending which contributes the majority of our revenues, has accelerated its decline," News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller said in a statement on Thursday.

From June 29 most regional and community titles will move to digital publishing and 375 journalists will cover regional and community news. There were previously about 1200 roles in the regional and community business.

The Leader titles in Melbourne will also cease print publication.

The Melbourne Press Club supports journalism within regional communities and understands how vital regional newspapers are to the fabric of a community.

"Community newspapers are the source of so many vital stories, generous people and fierce messages of resilience and hope. Know that I have heard you for the past four years, from rural Victoria to metropolitan Melbourne, your stories deserve telling, keep fighting." Anthony Piovesan, Reporter at Leader Community News, News Corp

The Melbourne Press Club provides opportunities for journalists to be recognised for their work through the annual Quill Awards, as well as opportunities for young journalists with mentoring.

For more information about the Melbourne Press Club, visit melbournepressclub.com.

Cathy Bryson
Chief Executive Officer