ACM, Australian Community Media, has announced that all 65 of its regional newspapers, including the Canberra Times and Newcastle Herald, will be reduced to weekly print runs over the next seven years. Tim and Viv look at the new initiatives springing up to keep local news alive.

And government ad spending is spiking ahead of the election, what can be done about taxpayer money going to potential political spruiking? 

Guest:

Claire Stuchbery, Executive Director, Local and Independent News Association (LINA)