The Viztrade Local Media Fund has been unveiled today and is aimed at delivering digital advertising investment to Australia’s regional and independent media, and providing an avenue for brands and marketers to reach local communities across the country. 

The fund will be lead by Melbourne-based digital advertising platform Viztrade in association with Standard Media Index, marketing management consultancy TrinityP3, DVM Law and Arthur St Digital. It has also gained backing from Australia’s peak digital advertising body, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) Australia, which supports initiatives like the Local Media Fund because it’s mandate is to benefit publishers. It can be viewed here.

“We will provide a better system for all advertisers and marketers to reach local communities by connecting directly with digital newspaper publishers across Australia,” said Simon Larcey, Managing Director of advertising platform Viztrade. “By investing in the Local Media Fund, advertisers can efficiently get their brand messages in front of potential customers. The idea for the Fund has been sparked by the collapse in advertising due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

Regional publishers that would benefit include the following media operators: the Bairnsdale Advertiser, Midland Express, Wangaratta Chronicle, Hamilton Spectator, Gawler Bunyip, Plains Producer, Kingsborough Chronicle, Fassifern Guardian and the Southern Riverina News. These newspapers represent communities across Australia, and act as a vital information source for thousands of people.