Introduction by Croakey: Stories about the media sector in Australia are often pretty grim, for a whole variety of reasons. However, a more positive story is slowly emerging from communities around Australia, of local and independent publishers striving to provide a meaningful service to their communities, whether these be place-based, or communities of practice and interest.
The Local and Independent News Association (LINA) held its third annual summit in Naarm/Melbourne last week, bringing together members to share stories and knowledge about their operations, and their wins and struggles.
Below, we speak with some LINA Summit participants about key health issues on their minds in the run up to the federal election. Take the time to listen to their insights on wide-ranging community health matters – from the importance of tackling misinformation and disinformation, to the impacts of pollution, health workforce shortages, mental health stresses, and the need to address domestic and family violence.
It’s clear from some of the interviews that the connections between the climate crisis and the health of communities remain poorly understood. It’s also clear that LINA and its members are an incredible resource for those working to improve the health of communities.
Let’s not forget who is not at the LINA table, and that we are not hearing from communities who do not have genuinely local or independent media servicing their needs for reliable, relevant news and information. This includes communities living in news deserts or who are served up syndicated content by corporate media.
Below, we speak with:
- James Blackwell, Co-Chair of Croakey Health Media
- Dr Kaye Rodden OAM, a founder of Prom Coast News, on the Wilsons Promontory in Victoria
- Peri Strathearn, Managing Editor and Founder of Murray Bridge News in South Australia
- Angela Priestley, Co-Founder of Agenda Media, and Founding Editor of Women’s Agenda
- Barbara Heggen, editor of The Westsider in Melbourne
- David Abrahams, Director of Combined Coast News and Managing Editor at Central Coast Newspapers
- Claire Stuchbery, Executive Director of LINA.
Advice to media: James Blackwell
James Blackwell, Co-Chair of Croakey Health Media, spoke at the LINA Summit about Civic Engagement and Social Change. In this interview, he gives the media some advice on reporting elections and urges a greater focus on reporting FOR regional communities, rather than ABOUT them for city audiences.
Environment and health matters: Prom Coast News
Dr Kaye Rodden OAM is a founder of Prom Coast News, a new community newspaper servicing the Wilsons Promontory in Victoria. She discusses the importance of reliable local news in addressing misinformation and disinformation, and also highlights the importance of environmental health. The community does not have a good understanding of climate change as a health issue, or of wider environmental issues as important for health, she says. She also discusses divided views over green energy projects affecting the region. Recorded on 4 April at the Local and Independent News Association (LINA) Summit in Naarm/Melbourne.
Rural health, misinformation and disinformation
Peri Strathearn, Managing Editor and Founder of Murray Bridge News in South Australia, discusses some of the key health issues facing his community. Misinformation and disinformation, lack of awareness about climate change, and pressures on mental health and wellbeing are among the issues covered.
Women’s health matters: Angela Priestley
Air pollution a hot topic in these suburbs
The Westsider services Melbourne’s western suburbs, with articles written by community volunteers. Air pollution is “a massive” local issue, says editor Barbara Heggen. But it’s had little attention from candidates in the federal election, she says.
Other key local issues include housing insecurity, especially for seniors and young people, and inappropriate “cookie cutter” housing development.
The Westsider tackles misinformation and disinformation by striving to build an honest relationship and trust with readers. Recent stories have examined intersections between the climate crisis and cost of living squeeze.
Community concerns on the NSW Central Coast
David Abrahams, the Director of Combined Coast News and Managing Editor at Central Coast Newspapers based in Gosford on the NSW Central Coast, highlights key health and environmental concerns for his readers.
Urgent call for increased support for local and independent media
LINA’s executive director, Claire Stuchbery, discusses the role of local and independent publishers in tackling misinformation and disinformation and in developing readers’ media literacy.
Are we investing enough in local and independent newsmakers? “Absolutely not,” she replies, urging greater support from governments and philanthropists.
She also previews a national giving week for the sector, set for 28 April-4 May, and concludes with a lovely shout out to Croakey Health Media (thank you, Claire!)
Declaration: Croakey Health Media is a member of LINA
See Croakey’s archive of articles on media-related issues and health
