Regional news in Australia has been in a decline for a while, in quantity at least. Between 2019 and 2024, there were 358 contractions and 174 expansions of news outlets across Australia, that’s a loss of at least 184 outlets. It’s been a struggle and ultimately it's audiences who end up missing out. The Public Interest Journalism Initiative says that as of last year there were at least 29 local government areas who didn’t have any print or digital news at all. What happens when no one is watching? One of the biggest media companies in the world is up for sale, although not entirely by choice. Warner Brothers Discovery has declared itself open for offers in the United States after receiving "unsolicited interest". Big media buyout season appears to be still on in the international market and could have a big impact for Australian viewers. And the rolling maul of media announcements for 2026 in Australia continues as networks confirm their line ups and announce their content slates. What is next year going to look and sound like on our screens and speakers? Guest: Dr T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer at RMIT and Australian Research Council DECRA FellowYou can binge more episodes of the MediaLand podcast with media insiders Tim Burrowes and Vivienne Kelly on the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find interviews with the big media bosses, the journalists on the ground and the hacks who hunt for the big media scoops. Please email us at
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