April 27, 2020 10:30 a.m.
Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley is making a push for federal support of radio and television broadcasters and local newspapers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A release said Merkley is joining a group of 74 senators calling for the Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Russell Vought to disseminate key public health messages through local news advertising during the crisis.
The group sent a letter to Vought and said radio and television broadcasters and rural newspapers provide local and national news, emergency alerts, educational programs and more to all corners of the United States. It said in many rural areas, broadcast stations are the predominant or only form of local information. The letter said it’s important that local media are able to continue to provide their services during this time so Americans are able to stay up to date with the latest news and information.
The senators noted that local news outlets have been hit particularly hard by a loss of advertising revenue. By advertising, this would have the dual benefit of reaching Americans with important health information in their local news outlets, while also helping to ensure that the outlets can continue to operate during the crisis.