Journalism Assistance Fund

# 📰 Journalism Assistance Fund The **Journalism Assistance Fund (JAF)**, a key component of the broader News Media Assistance Program (News MAP), offers **$67.6 million** in funding over three years, commencing from 2025-26. Issued by the **Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts**, this program aims to bolster **public interest journalism** and **media diversity** across **Australia**. Its core objectives include supporting the sustainability of Australian news publishers amidst industry disruption, fostering the creation of **digitally distributed news content**, encouraging continuous employment of journalists producing **Australian public interest news**, and building social cohesion. ## 🎯 Key Objectives & Funding Focus The fund will provide a proportion of **journalist wages** for organisations that produce **core news content** distributed digitally. This initiative directly supports the **Australian media sector**, emphasizing **news content creation** and **digital media**. ## ✅ Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants must: * Possess an **Australian Business Number (ABN)** and be **GST registered**. * Have an account with an **Australian financial institution**. * Be an entity producing and publishing **core news content** distributed digitally, * Operate as an incorporated entity in Australia (company, incorporated trustee, incorporated association, co-operative, partnership, incorporated not-for-profit, registered charity) or as a **sole trader**. Ineligible entities include: foreign-controlled Australian entities, trusts (unless an incorporated trustee applies on behalf of a trust), insolvent organisations, government bodies, specified newswire services with influencing affiliations, and certain organisations non-compliant with the National Redress Scheme or the Workplace Gender Equality Act (2012). ## 📅 Application & Contact Information Applications open on **November 21, 2025, at 10:00 am AEDT**. This is a **demand-driven grant**, meaning all eligible applications meeting criteria will be considered until funds are exhausted. For assistance, contact business.gov.au via phone (**13 28 46**) or web chat. **Apply at:** [www.business.gov.au/JAF](http://www.business.gov.au/JAF) ## 🔍 Search Keywords: * Journalism Funding Australia * Media Grants * Public Interest Journalism * News Media Assistance Program * Digital News Content Funding * Australian Journalism Support * News Publisher Grants * Journalist Wage Subsidies * Media Diversity Australia * Regional Journalism * Communications Grants * Arts and Culture Funding Australia * Business Grants Australia