News
9 July, 2026
The Southern Wire secures ABC pilot partnership
The Southern Wire is excited to announce that we have been selected to take part in a landmark content-sharing partnership between the ABC and Australian Associated Press (AAP).
The Southern Wire is excited to announce that we have been selected to take part in a landmark content-sharing partnership between the ABC and Australian Associated Press (AAP).
The initiative will provide The Southern Wire with access to ABC News digital articles relating to public emergencies, helping our community access trusted and timely information during times of crisis, including floods, bushfires and other emergencies.
The one-year pilot, which began this week, is designed to strengthen emergency news coverage at a time when many regional communities have experienced a decline in local journalism.
The ABC Director of News, prior to organisational changes, Justin Stevens said collaboration was essential to supporting local journalism.
"The ABC and AAP recognise that collaboration across the media sector is essential to addressing the challenges facing local news providers and supporting the sustainability of quality local journalism, which is a critical part of a healthy democracy," he said.
"At the same time we'll enhance access to the ABC's essential and trusted news and information at times when they need it the most, during times of crisis."
Publisher of The Southern Wire Paddy Moylan is excited to be working with the ABC and AAP.
“The ABC is a trusted national institution that provides an invaluable service to rural and regional Australians, particularly in times of crisis.” Mr Moylan said.
“This is a significant milestone for The Southern Wire, and we thank the ABC and AAP for this important initiative. We look forward to providing our readers with trusted ABC emergency reporting alongside our own local coverage to help keep our communities informed and safe when it matters most."
The pilot follows concerns about the decline of local news services across regional Australia, with reports indicating that since 2019 more than 200 regional newspapers have significantly reduced their services or closed altogether.
The ABC said its network of journalists across 68 locations, including 58 regional sites, would help address growing "news deserts".
Reports published by The Southern Wire under the pilot partnership will be clearly labelled as ABC content.
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