The Federal Government must immediately unlock $40 million in funding to keep regional and rural newspapers alive during the coronavirus crisis, says the union for Australia’s media workers.
At a time when fast and accurate information is more important than ever, media owners have an obligation to do all in their power to keep publishing, broadcasting and serving their communities.
Employers in the media, entertainment and arts industries must ensure that cash payments set to flow to deal with the impact of the coronavirus crisis are used to keep people on their payroll – and that obligation must extend to any freelancers and contractors on their books.
The economic stimulus package announced by the federal government today is a missed opportunity to provide targeted and specific relief to the arts and entertainment sectors that have been heavily impacted by coronavirus related shutdowns.
The second COVID-19 stimulus package now being finalised must include targeted aid for the arts and entertainment industries to prevent widespread job losses.
