Following the Federal Government’s announcement of the final News Bargaining Incentive bill last week, a coalition of independent, multicultural and regional newsrooms has welcomed some of the proposed updates after extensive sector consultation.

But as big tech continues to expand, advocates say getting the NBI and associated Statutory Payments Scheme right is vital to prevent independent newsrooms from being left behind by major mastheads.

This comes as community news outlets remain the hardest hit, with around 120 organisations recently forced to close their doors, prompting concern over what this could mean for regional and underrepresented voices and impact to our democracy.