THERE'S no doubt regional news outlets are facing one of the biggest challenges in their history.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Already, some of the bush's proudest titles have had to shut up shop amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, I was buoyed to see many of the staff of the The Sunraysia Daily make a stand and virtually donate their time to keep the paper going.
Whether its reporting on landmark court cases, covering the decisions made at local-government level or being there when your local club wins the big game, every country journalist is trying to keep their community informed.
It is worth noting, the staff of The Sunraysia Daily have been able to continue serving their community through the JobKeeper wage subsidies.
This is just one of the few handouts the government has afforded the regional news sector, albeit an indirect one.
That was until the federal communications minister Paul Fletcher announced the government would release $5 million from the $48 million Small Publishers Innovation Fund to help see regional publishers through the pandemic.
It remains to be seen if this release of funds will be enough to prevent other regional mastheads and newsrooms across the country from closing their doors.
The government, I'm sure, will be hoping the funds will be enough to prevent vast parts of the country from going uncovered by the media, because if it is not, that could well be the reality.
Do you have something to say? We welcome your letters which may run in print and online.