Lifeline was the most-mentioned charity in the news last year, while Andrew Forrest was the country’s most recognized philanthropist, according to a new study.

Media monitoring provider Streem has published a study of the nation’s top charities, foundations and associates in print and online newspapers over the past year. The study looked at mentions in 12 newspapers in the Australian capital and 21 of the country’s largest news sites. Syndication (the practice of making multimedia content available on multiple platforms or publications) has been abolished.

Lifeline has by far the most mentions in the news at 5,293, ahead of the RSPCA with 1,725.

Many mentions of Lifeline have come from editors who have included the charity’s contact details at the bottom of sensitive stories on issues such as suicide.

In terms of size, the RSPCA was the most frequently mentioned charity in the first 100 words of an article, while St John Ambulance spent the most time in managerial positions on news websites. .

The RSPCA has featured in numerous articles dealing with issues such as increased cruelty to animals during closures, unreliable breeders, ongoing live animal export issues, the horse racing debate and multiple dog deaths linked to unregulated pet food production.

The St. John Ambulance is often featured as a first responder in articles about incidents and emergencies, and has frequently featured in stories on the ambulance “ramp” (ambulances must wait outside of emergency services). emergency for long periods due to lack of beds) over the past year, which included the WA parliamentary committee’s review of the state’s contract with the nonprofit organization (a reminder that ” all publicity is good publicity ‘is probably not true).

Streem media analyst Conal Hanna said the pandemic has had a major impact on charity sector coverage this year, with more than a quarter of mentions of charities within 100 words of the coronavirus or blockages.

“Some charities have seen more media coverage due to their lockdown-related programs, while for others COVID-19 has likely made removal more difficult due to pandemic news saturation,” said Hanna.

Meanwhile, the Minderoo Foundation had more than double the media presence of the next closest philanthropic foundation, the Judith Neilson Institute.

Minderoo has made headlines on some very important and high-profile giveaways (including $ 10 million in funding to launch its social impact film division, Minderoo Pictures), its COVID-19 response is a direct appeal to some of the world’s biggest polluters, and it’s an ongoing focus and support for climate action.

The Judith Neilson Institute supports and celebrates quality journalism and storytelling around the world and offers grants and education programs that give journalists the resources they need to produce exceptional work. The organization often benefits from media coverage associated with its funding. Patron and founder of the association, Judith Neilson, is also a star in her own right, a 74-year-old billionaire, owner of the White Rabbit Gallery in Sydney and dedicated philanthropist to several causes.

Not only was Minderoo co-founder Andrew Forrest the most mentioned founding philanthropist, his wife Nicola was third, behind Ms Neilson. In March, the Australian newspaper named Forrests the biggest donors of the past 12 months, having given $ 88 million during that time. Media mentions of Mr. Forrest alongside Minderoo were more than double that of the most prominent chairman of a charity, John Brogden of Lifeline.

Research found that the sector’s volume of coverage was relatively constant throughout the year, although the importance of charities peaked in September, with Sydney and Melbourne struggling with prolonged lockdowns.

Adelaide’s Advertiser was the newspaper with the most prominence in charity over the past 12 months while, in the online space, Hobart’s Mercury paid the most attention.

Finally, three articles that have long remained in the top spots of online news sites were:

1. How Royal Flying Doctor Service is taking NT’s remote deployment under its wing
2. Orange Sky calls for more Canberra volunteers after 50% drop during pandemic
3. Thanks A Million Campaign: Food Bank Volunteers Trevor and Judy Grant Step Up in 2020

All charities interested in seeing how their media footprint compares can contact Streem.

To learn more about how to get media coverage for your nonprofit, click the Classy.org blog post here and the Prosper Strategies guide to getting media coverage here!