Statement from CEO Cathy Bryson

Challenges for Australian journalism have become a constant. Job cuts, closures and the end of print editions have dominated the headlines in our sector.

This week, ABC Managing Director David Anderson announced expected cuts of 250 staff across the ABC in light of sustained reductions in funding. Since 2014, the coalition have cut nearly $800 million in funding for the national broadcaster. The latest round of cuts are to be met in part through volunteer redundancies. 

News Corp has announced both the end of physical print editions for more than 100 suburban and regional mastheads and a restructure of its metro publications. Both will entail significant job losses.

Meanwhile, there is hope that AAP will live on. A consortium of investors headed by former News Corp executive Peter Tonagh are in negotiations to purchase the company, though it is expected staffing levels will be reduced and parts of the business retained by current shareholders.

The Coronavirus pandemic has destabilised already ailing advertising revenue models. The Melbourne Press Club extends its sympathies to those who face uncertainty and job losses in the coming months and years.

The Melbourne Press Club continues to support and celebrate journalism in Victoria and Australia through a range of initiatives. These include the Michael Gordon Journalism Fellowships, our Edit series and mentoring programs for early career journalists, and our state and national awards

Most recently we have facilitated events as webinars, with helpful and thoughtful discussion about changes to journalism brought about by the pandemic and social distancing.

For further details of past webinar events click here.

Like many small organisations, the Melbourne Press Club relies upon membership and sponsorship to deliver our services to the media sector.

To become a member click here.

To find out more about sponsorship contact cathy@melbournepressclub.com

Cathy Bryson
CEO, Melbourne Press Club

Apply to join the Melbourne Press Club

Membership is $100 for journalists, $150 for associate members and $40 for students.

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