TELL CONGRESS: LOCAL NEWS IS CRITICAL IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC

All Members of Congress

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, local news outlets have been providing indispensable, real-time updates on information imperative to safeguarding America’s communities. Yet, many outlets will not survive COVID-19 without immediate economic help.

As Congress considers future economic stimulus aid packages for impacted people and businesses, they must also provide a lifeline to local reporters and local media to ensure they continue providing their vital service to the American people.

We’re calling for at least $5 billion to support local journalists and to make information accessible to communities of color, rural communities, working-class communities and immigrant communities. This can take the form of direct financial aid as well as increased federal ad spending in local and community media.

Sign the petition to Congress to include funding for local news in the next stimulus package.

Sponsored by
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Progress America
Additional Sponsors
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PEN America
New York, NY
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Daily Kos
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People For the American Way
Washington, DC
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Reporters Without Borders USA
Washington, DC

To: All Members of Congress
From: [Your Name]

As you consider further economic stimulus legislation to help the country at this precarious moment, we urge you to include targeted assistance to local journalists, just as you have with other industries deemed essential to our nation’s health, prosperity and recovery. Local news outlets, ranging from state to city and community-level media organizations, are necessary partners in meeting the critical information needs of Americans—especially during today’s public health and economic crisis.