SUPPORT FOR THIS LEGISLATION IS GROWING
 Dean Ridings
Your continued efforts are paying off!
In October and November, 13 representatives from six states added their names to the list of cosponsors of H.R. 7640, the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, bringing the total to 78. America's Newspapers is asking members to continue reaching out to their legislators to ask them for their support of this important bill. CEO Dean Ridings says: "We are seeing support for the tenets of this legislation continue to grow." Read more Dean Ridings
What every publisher can do to support local journalism
I want to provide an update on America’s Newspapers’ efforts surrounding one of the most important legislative opportunities the newspaper industry has seen, the Local Journalism Sustainability Act (LJSA). America’s Newspapers has taken a leadership role in advocating for this legislation on behalf of our members and the overall industry. We now have obtained 55 cosponsors for the bill in a bipartisan show of support for the importance of local newspapers. Our goal is to have 100 or more cosponsors for this bill, and we need your continued support to reach this number. Read more Dean Ridings
Local Journalism Sustainability Act continues to build support
Support continues to grow for the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, H.R. 7640, as more cosponsors sign on to this legislation that provides significant support to newspapers and local journalism, with support from both sides of the aisle. Here's why we need your support, as well! Read more Dean Ridings
Above the Fold: Democrats and Republicans unite in support of the media
Dean Ridings, CEO of America’s Newspapers, was quoted this week in an article in Velocitize, saying it is refreshing, but not surprising, to see bipartisan support for the news industry as the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, H.R. 7640, continues to gain additional cosponsors in Washington. Read more |
America's Newspapers: The power of our advocacy missionAmerica's Newspapers is taking a three-part approach with its advocacy efforts, members heard at last week's PIVOT 2020 virtual conference.
"We want to educate our members about relevant bills," CEO Dean Ridings said. Secondly, America's Newspapers wants to encourage action from the members. Ridings said the "primary power of our advocacy is our members' grassroots efforts" and having them reach out to their legislators to impact pending legislation. A third tool includes providing "analysis and insights so our members can inform their audiences about the issues and, hopefully, gain their support." Ridings noted that these resources include ready-to-publish editorials, editorial cartoons, ads that explain the issues, plus relevant information so member newspapers can create their own content. America's Newspapers also works closely with the News Media Alliance to promote mutual goals. The Local Journalism Sustainability Act and the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act of 2019 are two pieces of legislation that America's Newspapers is encouraging members to support. Joining Ridings for this session at PIVOT were Alan Fisco, president of The Seattle Times Company and newly-elected president of America's Newspapers, and Francis Wick, president of Wick Communications. Wick said: "I see this piece of legislation (Local Journalism Sustainability Act) focusing in on the real need to incentivize good behavior of owners, readers and businesses and ultimately to transform and invest in our organization so that we are transforming into a new business model that is stronger and more dynamic in the future. And, the best part ... this is not a handout. This all sunsets ... after five years." Fisco says there is "a fair degree of confidence" that the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act will be passed in the coming months. This legislation would give publishers a four-year safe harbor from antitrust laws to allow print and digital news companies to collectively negotiate with online content distributors. "But then what?" Fisco said, stressing the need for the industry to speak with "a unified voice when we sit down to discussions with the Googles and Facebooks." America's Newspapers, he said, will stay close to this legislation as it evolves over the coming months. View a recording of this advocacy session at PIVOT and learn how you can help protect the interests of the newspaper industry. |
H.R. 7640 - Read the text of the bill
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A BIPARTISAN EFFORT
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Dean Ridings
In a divided time, saving local journalism is a bipartisan cause
In a presidential election year and in the midst of the dual crises of the coronavirus pandemic and widespread economic misery, the divisions among Americans can seem to easily overwhelm the bonds that unite us.That’s why it’s so heartening to see in recent weeks that Americans of all persuasions, and their political leaders on both sides of the aisle, are coalescing around a cause for a community pillar with a history of helping this nation navigate past buffeting winds of turmoil: Saving local journalism. Read more |
RECENT EDITORIAL CARTOONS and COLUMNS
In a divided time, saving local journalism is a bipartisan cause
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A community with no newspaper?
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Congress considers legislation that would support local news organizations |