July 27, 2021 3:10 a.m.

On Monday, Senator Ron Wyden said he has introduced legislation to help financially support local news organizations through tax credits to incentivize hiring more journalists, subscriptions, and advertising from local small businesses.

The Local Journalism Sustainability Act of 2021 was also introduced by Senators Maria Cantwell of Washington and Mark Kelly of Arizona.

Wyden said, “The decline of local news has had devastating effects on our communities. Local news has often been the only window into the city council or the mayor’s office. Without these outlets, these important institutions in our communities go uncovered”. Wyden said the decline of local news has fueled the growth of misinformation, as Americans lose their most trusted sources of information. He said, “As the son of a journalist, these developments trouble me greatly”.

The release said since 2004, more than 1,800 communities have lost their local newspapers. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, 37,000 journalists have lost their jobs, been furloughed or had their pay cut.

The legislation would help support local news organizations through tax credits for local newspapers, digital publications, television and radio.

Support for the proposal has come from the National Association of Broadcasters, and a number of newspaper and media organizations.

A summary of the bill is linked: https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Local%20Journalism%20Sustainability%20Act%20One%20Page%20Summary%20July%2023%202021.pdf