LINA Launches "Our News, Your Voice" Campaign as the World Celebrates Press Freedom Day
LINA has launched the 2026 "Our News, Your Voice" campaign to support Australian public interest journalism, coinciding with World Press Freedom Day. The initiative features matched funding for over 40 independent newsrooms and coincides with LINA’s advocacy for more equitable revenue distribution under the proposed News Bargaining Incentive legislation. Key events include a journalism and democracy townhall hosted by Peter Greste to discuss media diversity and government accountability.
Harry Taruva 
...Calls for Public Interest Journalism Support
Sydney - The Local and Independent News Association (LINA) has officially launched its 2026 "Our News, Your Voice" campaign today, May 3, coinciding with World Press Freedom Day.
The initiative sees more than 40 independent newsrooms across Australia uniting to advocate for sustainable public interest journalism.
The campaign, which runs until Friday, 8th of May, aims to secure community-driven financial support for local news outlets that provide essential reporting on civic affairs and regional issues.
The objective of the campaign is to enable independent newsmakers to continue investigating and scrutinising power structures while serving underserved communities.
LINA has also issued a formal response to the Australian Government’s draft News Bargaining Incentive legislation.
While LINA says it supports the principle of holding global tech platforms accountable for the content they profit from, the association expressed concerns that the current revenue distribution model ignores small and emerging newsrooms.
In a recent media statement, LINA highlighted that the draft legislation fails to address the high barriers to entry for independent publishers.
The association is calling for a more inclusive framework that prioritises media diversity and ensures funding reaches newsrooms that serve local interests rather than just major corporate entities.
LINA members are also scheduled to meet online on the 14th of May** to finalise the association’s official submission to the government.
As part of the week’s focus on press freedom, a public townhall titled "In the Public Interest: A Journalism, Accountability and Democracy" will take place on Thursday, the 7th of May.
Hosted by renowned journalist and press freedom advocate, Peter Greste, the event will feature LINA’s Claire Stuchbery,vand representatives from Democracy Counts.
The discussion will explore the current state of investigative journalism in Australia and the necessary protections required to maintain a robust democratic landscape.
