HOT PURSUIT
Currently, there are a couple of key bills before Congress that could drastically impact the future of community news across the country.
For years, I haven’t taken much action let alone interest when it comes to legislative matters, especially on the national level. I decided it’s time for my silence to stop.
It’s certainly no secret that local newspaper journalism has been hammered by many forces in recent years. Since 2005, more than 2,500 weekly newspapers have closed. We’ve seen it happen in Minnesota. One of the most interesting things that has come to light because of the closings is that researchers are finding less journalism leads to profound effects on the practice of journalism as well as the overall country’s civic health.
While it’s unlikely we’ll ever get those newspapers back up and running again, the focus must shift to finding ways to keep the newspapers that are left viable for the future.
Anecdotal reports indicate most small newspapers lost up to 30% of revenue in 2020. The pandemic caused further loss, depriving local communities of news and information and creating news deserts in many towns.
Digital publishing solutions alone are not sufficient to sustain small newsrooms. Since the modern Internet emerged as a publishing tool in 1994, digital revenues have amounted to a pittance for local publishers. Local newspapers need local advertisers and subscribers to remain open.
A few weeks ago, I made a trip to Washington, D.C. as part of a summit through our National Newspaper Association to meet with staff members of Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Tina Smith. Another publisher from western Minnesota and I shared information about what is happening to the newspaper industry in rural America.
I was encouraged by the reception we received from both senator’s staffs.
Two key bills are the Community News and Small Business Support Act, which incorporates a refundable tax credit to help with newsroom payrolls and a nonrefundable tax credit for small business advertisers, and the Journalism Competition Act, which would authorize journalism providers to collectively negotiate with large online platforms over terms and conditions of the use of content.
Sen. Klobuchar is one of the cosponsors of the Journalism Competition Act.
A similar bill to the Community News Act was defeated late last year. Reps. Claudia Tenney, R-New York, and Suzan DelBene, D-Washington, introduced a new bill in July incorporating many of the key elements of last year’s failed legislation.
Media companies have been cautious for years to seek help from the government over First Amendment concerns. But I think many journalism organizations are now realizing that shouldn’t affect their ability to seek help for something that has proven to be vital to the country’s democracy—journalism.
Newspapers need help from Washington. And you can help send that message to our elected officials.
Responsible journalism is critical in any democracy, but particularly in an era where manipulation of social media has led many to distrust the news entirely. When the news comes from reporters that local citizens know and trust, reliable news forms a basis for informed democracy.
Sustainability journalism requires a healthy advertising marketplace. Sustainable newspapers require healthy communities with vibrant businesses. The advertising tax credit in the bill before Congress would be enormously helpful to small businesses in struggling rural communities.
Both bills are bipartisan and a balanced approach to ensuring community newspapers like the Times can continue to provide services to their communities while helping small businesses in those same cities thrive.
Passage of these bills would put newspapers in hot pursuit of remaining strong for years to come.