Our news and media centre is a single, unified channel. It enables us to tell the department’s stories in diverse, engaging and visually dynamic ways.
How it works
The news and media centre consists of:
- main news centre landing page (shows 3 featured news items and the 8 most recent news items)
- an all news feed page (can be searched or filtered by topic or type of content)
- individual content pages (such as a media release, video, statement).
The 3 most recent media items are also displayed on the website home page. This includes a link to the ‘All news’ feed in the news and media centre.
A single news feed
We can publish a variety of content types in the news and media centre. It’s designed to allow us to present media releases and news items alongside multimedia like videos.
The aggregated news feed also presents each item in a visual layout with an image. This helps us to engage our audience and showcase the vibrant imagery of our portfolio.
By bringing all news content types together in one location, we can maximise reach and engagement. It also means we can publish a variety of content types and always keep the news feed refreshed with new content.
Navigating the 'all news' feed
The ‘All news’ feed is designed to make it easy for users to find everything on a particular topic or in a particular content type. We achieve this through tags (topic and type) that users can select to filter the list of content. These tags are managed by the web publishing team.
Search functionality also helps users target keywords or topics of interest to them. They will then be presented with all media items published on that topic.
Sharing content
Each item in the news and media centre is published with a set of share icons. This makes it easy for users to share an item from the media centre to their social media, or by email.
When users share a media item, the website will automatically generate a preview tile with an image. This image is preselected by the content owner when the item is published. This helps to ensure our content is shared on social media with a visually engaging image.
Types of content
There are 8 types of content in the media centre. Some are focused on timely updates, others on longer-form and more immersive storytelling.
You can filter the ‘All news’ page to only view a specific content type.
Timely updates
Time-sensitive news updates that focus on imminent, current, or recent events. These updates are most valuable close to the event or announcement, and that value diminishes over time.
These content types are a short-form story. They are generally factual and direct, with less narrative. Tone can vary depending on the subject matter.
Media release
A formal media release, used for priority announcements and issues. It can be reproduced by the media as a news article.
There is a specific process to follow to develop and publish media releases. This includes working with the media team.
Example: International student is Ghosted following meaty detection at Adelaide Airport.
Statement (On the record)
A statement of our position on a priority event or issue. This is used less frequently and often relates to our role as a regulator. You must work with the media team to develop and publish statements.
Can be used for rolling updates on a specific topic in one statement.
Example: MV Bahijah livestock vessel updates.
News
Our news items are used to update the public on our activities and outcomes. It is less formal in tone than a media release.
Can be used for rolling updates on a specific topic in the one news item.
Newsletter
Individual articles that are part of a recurring newsletter release. Each article is published in the media centre. They can also be embedded as a content series on any web page.
Teams can notify subscribers of a new set of articles using Mailchimp.
Example: Biosecurity Matters newsletter.
Storytelling
These content types allow us to tell more detailed stories about our activities and achievements. These are less time-sensitive and are more retrospective in nature.
They use mixed media to tell a story. This can include text, images, infographics or videos, or they may simply be a video or audio file with a text transcript.
Digital story
An immersive, visual format that leads the reader on a deep dive through a particular story.
These use a narrative story structure, mixed with data and visual media, to showcase outcomes of our programs and activities.
Case study
A case study demonstrates real-world outcomes of our work through the story of a specific person or situation. They can also be used to demonstrate complex processes or requirements in a way that is relatable for audiences.
You can create a one off or a series of case studies to support a particular program or activity.
Example: Supporting drought-ready decision makers in South Australia.
Video and audio
Videos are a visually-rich medium we can use to educate an audience and illustrate an idea that has strong visual components. They must be published with captions and a text transcript.
As videos and audio files have a set playback speed and sequence, they are best used as one part of a set of products. You can also use videos in another product, such as a case study or digital story.
Create a content series
The news and media centre is a dynamic and engaging way to bring our news content together. We can also use it to present a particular group of news and media items outside of the media centre.
We can embed a series of content from the media centre on any page on the website. This is useful if you have a series of news items or media that you want to present as a group. Particularly if you will continue to add to the series over time.
When using this feature, we add each new item in the series in the media centre. It will then also appear on the page where the content series is embedded.
Examples of this include a set of newsletter articles or a case study series.
See the Future Drought Fund case studies using the content series feature.
How to publish in the media centre
To publish content in the news and media centre, you must follow the standard web publishing process.
Some media centre content will require extra steps:
- Media releases and Statements – you must work with the Media team.
- Digital stories – work with the Web User Experience (UX) team to develop a digital story.
- Content series – work with the Web User Experience (UX) team to identify suitable content and implement the feature.
Who to contact
Web User Experience (UX) team: web.ux@aff.gov.au
For teams outside the Communication and Media Branch, your first contact is your communication business partner: externalcommunication@aff.gov.au
See more
Content strategy
Key principles that inform our approach to inclusive web content that meets user and business needs.
Write and style content
See how to write user-friendly web content that meets your objectives.
Department style guide
Refer to the style guide to ensure you create consistent, high-quality content.