Australia Extends Deaf-Led News Service for Another Year

When Auslan90 was set to go off air next month due to expired funding, the Deaf community rallied together and won.

Australia's federal government just renewed funding for the groundbreaking news service, keeping it on air through June 2027. The decision came after community members submitted video testimonies, wrote letters, and advocated directly to government officials.

Auslan90 is the country's only daily news service delivered entirely in Australian Sign Language by Deaf journalists. Since launching in 2024, the program has produced more than 400 news bulletins covering everything from international conflicts to local elections and natural disasters.

Brent Phillips, Chief Services Officer at Deaf Connect, shared the exciting news in a video message. "This ongoing funding is thanks to the support of so many community members who provided video testimonies, wrote to government and advocated for the show," he said. "A big thanks to you all."

The videos are presented purely in Auslan without voiceover and shared on social media platforms. They've already reached more than 300,000 Australians, providing news in the Deaf community's first language.

The program originally received funding through a government grant that was scheduled to end as part of a broader program transition. When the ABC reported last month that Auslan90 would lose funding, the community sprang into action.

The Ripple Effect

The renewed funding means more than just continued news coverage. It represents a commitment to accessibility and inclusion for Australia's Deaf community.

Auslan90 will continue its weekday news bulletins, weekend deep dives, and special edition coverage for major events like the upcoming federal election. The service makes critical information accessible in a way that truly serves the community, rather than just adding captions or interpretation as an afterthought.

When the program launched two years ago, then Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth emphasized the importance of the service. "This program will help ensure the Deaf community can receive and access news and current affairs programs in their first language," she said.

The victory shows what's possible when communities advocate for their needs. The Deaf community didn't just ask for accommodation; they created and fought for a service that puts their language and journalists front and center.

Australia just proved that accessible news isn't a nice-to-have but essential democracy in action.