Upper Spencer Gulf Mayors Lobby for Regional News Reinstatement
The mayors of the Upper Spencer Gulf councils have united to voice their extreme disappointment and concern regarding Southern Cross Austereo’s (SCA) decision to cease its Spencer Gulf Nightly News service, effective immediately.
Port Pirie Mayor (and Spencer Gulf Cities Chair) Leon Stephens, Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone and Port Augusta Mayor Linley Shine will be lobbying State and Federal governments and SCA management with the aim of having the service reinstated.
Mayor Stephens said this was a huge loss for each of the Upper Spencer Gulf communities, which had relied on the service for more than 50 years as a trusted news source.
“Credible local news services play a vital role in fostering informed and engaged communities,” Mayor Stephens said.
“Our residents have limited options to stay informed, so this decision is especially concerning, as it leads people to refer to social media and other less credible sources for their news. This can have serious consequences in situations such as emergencies, public health warnings, or community initiatives.
“We strongly urge SCA to find a solution that addresses this issue and ensures regional audiences aren’t put at a further disadvantage.”
Mr Stephens said his thoughts went out to the journalists who were impacted by this sudden loss of employment, as well as expressing his concern for the ongoing impact on the media industry.
“This regional news service offered invaluable opportunities for aspiring journalists to get their first hands-on industry experience and develop their skills – current established journalists such as Rosanna Mangiarelli, Will McDonald, Alex Hart and Brett Clappis are just some of the names that had their start with SCA in our region,” he said.
“This opportunity is now lost, which will make it increasingly harder for journalists fresh out of university to kick-start their career.”
Mr Stephens said the councils would be urging the government – including Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey – to not only look at additional funding, but also updated licence conditions that require regional broadcasters to produce regional content.
“A lack of credible news services is a serious issue that affects us all, and it is essential that steps are taken to address it as soon as possible,” he said.
“In the meantime, each of the councils will continue to keep our communities informed via the remaining media channels and our own platforms.
“We also encourage residents to contact their local MP to voice their support for the reinstatement of the news service.”
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Contact:
Wendy Campana Mob: 0417 861 783
Mayor Leon Stephens Mob: 0417 080 961