Australia's cuts to funding for transnational news services in the Indo-Pacific represent a significant failure in soft diplomacy, particularly towards Southeast Asia. Historically, Australia has played a crucial role in providing news services, evolving from a propaganda tool to a trusted public service through the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). However, recent funding cuts have left many regional neighbors without reliable news sources, especially after the reduction of media aid during the Trump administration. While Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has renewed the ABC’s Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy, the funding is limited to just two years and lacks indexation, leading to uncertainty for journalists and program participants. This precarious situation allows countries like China and Russia to dominate the media landscape with their narratives, posing risks to regional stability. Notably, an ABC survey indicated trust levels in the broadcaster approaching 80% in several Pacific nations, highlighting its importance. To foster genuine partnerships and support democracy in the region, Australia must prioritize and secure ongoing funding for its international news services, ensuring a diverse media landscape that reflects the needs of its neighbors.