In rural Australia, the ability to tell local stories has never been more crucial, yet the resources to do so are dwindling. The ongoing trial of Robert and Anne Geeves, charged with the murder of Amber Haigh, highlights this issue. The case, gripping a small community for two months, exposes the critical shortage of local journalists to cover such significant events.
The Disappearance of Local News
Amber Haigh’s tragic story is a stark reminder of local media’s vital role in rural Australian communities. Haigh, who vanished 22 years ago, left behind a young son and a community desperate for answers. The trial, taking place in Wagga Wagga, has been closely followed by residents. However, with local newspapers struggling to survive, reliable reporting on this and other crucial events is at risk.
Many small-town papers, like the Harden Express, have disappeared, leaving gaps in local news coverage. The Twin Town Times, still in circulation, needs more resources to send a reporter to cover the trial in Wagga Wagga. This reality underscores the growing challenge of telling rural Australian stories.
The Importance of Rural Australian Stories
Rural Australian stories are the backbone of regional communities, providing a window into local issues and concerns. These stories go untold without trained journalists, leaving communities in the dark. Local news services are essential for covering court proceedings, town politics, and other critical issues. They serve as the primary source of reliable information, countering the spread of rumours and misinformation.
Without local reporters, rural Australian stories risk overshadowing more significant, sensational news from urban centres. This disconnect leaves rural communities feeling isolated and unheard, exacerbating their challenges.
The Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation’s Impact
In 2021, the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF) provided a generous three-year grant to establish Guardian Australia’s Rural Network. This initiative aimed to address the decline in rural journalism by supporting local reporters in their communities. Under the leadership of founding rural editor Gabrielle Chan, the Rural Network sought new ways to tell rural Australian stories.
The network employed journalists from various rural areas, including Deepwater, NSW, Ballarat, Victoria, and central Queensland. These reporters provided a much-needed local perspective, ensuring rural Australian stories were told with accuracy and depth. The grant also funded the placement of University of Technology Sydney graduates in independent country papers, helping to train the next gen of rural journalists.
Challenges in Rural Journalism
Despite these efforts, rural journalism faces significant challenges. The funding models that supported local news are collapsing, leading to a steady decline in newsrooms across Australia. According to the Public Interest Journalism Initiative, 177 news services have shut down since 2019. This trend threatens the future of rural Australian stories.
The rise of deep fakes and artificial intelligence further complicates the landscape, making it harder for rural journalists to compete. Freelance reporters, once a vital part of rural news coverage, are finding it increasingly difficult to make a living. They need increased financial security to keep up with the requirements of non-stop news coverage.
Reinventing Rural News
Despite these obstacles, there is hope. Some companies are exploring new ways to make rural news financially viable. ACM, a major media company, has recently sold several country mastheads to the Provincial Press Group, aiming to keep these publications alive. However, the hard copies of many Western Australian titles have been discontinued, leaving rural communities without a reliable news source.
The retirement of Andrew Fisher, a longtime editor of the Cowra Guardian, marks the end of an era. Fisher, who trained young journalists in covering courts, police rounds, and council meetings, represents the dedication required to tell rural Australian stories. His departure raises concerns about the future of local news and the ability to maintain such high standards in rural journalism.
The Future of Rural Australian Stories
As rural newspapers continue to change hands and shrink in size, the future of rural Australian stories remains uncertain. The loss of local news services not only affects rural communities but also poses a threat to democracy. Without reliable information, citizens are left uninformed and unable to participate fully in their communities.
A renewed commitment to supporting local journalism is essential for rural Australian stories to survive. This support ensures that rural communities’ unique challenges and experiences are heard and understood.
Rural Australian stories risk being forgotten without local news, leaving communities without a voice. The struggle to tell these stories is more essential than ever, as the very fabric of rural life depends on it.
