Press Release

Senators Glazer, Allen & Newman Unveil Bill to Create Fund for Public Interest Journalism

SACRAMENTO – Three state senators have introduced legislation to bolster the free press that is one of the pillars of American democracy.

The bill, SB 911, by Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa and principal co-authors Sens. Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica and Josh Newman, D-Fullerton, would provide state grants to individuals and organizations to help them cover issues of importance to their communities.

SB 911 would create a state board that includes at least one member from ethnic media, academia, non-profit news, and others who would administer a public fund to distribute grants to bona fide news organizations and reporters.

“A vibrant local press that informs the public and acts as a government watchdog has been vital to the survival of American democracy,” Senator Glazer said. “But over the past couple decades, the closure of many local newspapers and the decline of most others has created vast ‘news deserts’ where virtually no local coverage remains. This bill will offer news organizations and individuals the tools to revive the oversight function of the local press.”

This bill is modeled after the California Arts Council and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, two successful models for public funding of independent arts and media.

“Quality journalism tells the truth, no matter how uncomfortable or where it leads. A strong and independent free press is essential for a thriving and healthy democracy,” Sen. Allen said. “America ignores the erosion of public journalism at its own peril.”

Over the past decade and a half, a devastating one-fourth of local newspapers have vanished nationwide, Sen. Newman said.

“It’s my firm belief that there is no substitute for the kind of strong local journalism which informs and engages the public, improves the decision-making and accountability of local and state government, and serves as a primary source of information for our communities,” Newman said. “That’s why I’m very proud to be a principal co-author on SB 911, which will revitalize independent, local public service news coverage in California."

How it works:

  • An 11-member board appointed by the Legislature and the governor would manage the program.
  • The board would be composed of at least one (1) ethnic media publication; (1) non-profit media organization, (1) journalism professor or dean, one (1) publisher each of publications of up to 10,000 circulation, 50,000 circulation and 100,000+ circulation; one (1) online news service, three (3) members of the general public reflecting the state’s diversity and one (1) public interest group with a focus on promoting accountable government and a robust democracy.
  • The California Board for the Funding of Public Interest Media would review grant proposals from bonafide journalists and media organizations.
  • Funds would be provided only to applicants who committed to increasing coverage of public affairs appropriate to communities they cover and sharing their content in the public domain for other media to use.
  • The board would exercise no editorial judgment or oversight but would ensure that funds were spent as promised.
  • The board would receive a one-time, $50 million allocation to distribute to qualified organizations or individuals over a 5-year trial period.

Key Benefits:

  • The program encourages independent, local public service news coverage.
  • Helps independent local news organizations or individual reporters to cover the cost of reporting local public service issues.
  • Promotes the employment of journalists for local, public service coverage.
  • Fosters an environment of public trust in which all news organizations are free from influence of the Board, other than a commitment to focus on public interest news coverage.

 

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