FEDERAL Member for Mallee, Andrew Broad has called on the chief executive officer of Fairfax Media, Greg Hywood, to reconsider the options for regional newspapers, including the Stawell Times-News.
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In an address to the Australian Parliament, Mr Broad has come out strongly in support of regional newspapers.
"Whilst I understand that a newspaper must remain viable, I believe the changes that are currently being suggested for the Stawell Times-News and Wimmera Mail-Times will erode the very qualities that have allowed them to endure for so many years," he said.
"The move by Fairfax Media that will take away jobs and take away photographers is, I think, very short sighted.
"I have a vision for everything that our country communities can be.
"People in these communities want to buy their paper and be able to see photos of their children and their grandchildren playing in local sporting events and engaging in local community groups and telling their story.
"It is very clear that, if you want country towns to grow and inland cities to develop, they need to have access to good education, good public transport, good health services and good jobs. But it is also critical that their story is being told."
Mr Broad said it was vital to ensure local content and staffing levels are maintained to best serve and reflect regional communities.
"Regional newspapers play an important role in communities not only by offering local content, but also by being written and photographed by local people," he said.
"It is the local connections that give substance and validity to stories.
"Quite clearly, the papers provide employment opportunities but they are also invaluable in generating community spirit and pride. It's through the sharing of stories and the marking of milestones that communities prevail.
"I don't deny that there's been a change in the way news is covered and that media outlets must adapt their workforce to ensure they have the necessary skill sets, but there needs to be balance.
"The new breed of journalist must have the experienced writers to learn from because some of the skills of writing transcend genres and trends.
"I believe that the most successful papers are those which offer a range of perspectives in an authentic voice."
Mr Broad said he would welcome discussions with Fairfax management on the matter.
"I have written to the CEO of Fairfax Media, Greg Hywood," he said.
"I have not received a reply yet, and I ask him whether he has the vision that so many regional MPs have for the regions and whether he will look at how they can grow the management of Fairfax Media and put them in the regional areas, grow the job opportunities and continue to allow us to tell our stories through our local newspapers?