April 4, 2025 2:50 a.m.

On Thursday, Senator Ron Wyden announced that he is co-sponsoring a resolution designating April 2025 as “Preserving and Protecting Local News Month”.

A release said this is to highlight local journalism’s vital role in U.S. democracy. Wyden said news outlets are facing mounting threats and intimidation from the Trump administration.

Wyden said, “The cornerstone of democracy is a free and fair press. Among this administration’s blatant threats, exclusions and intimidation, it’s more important than ever to protect these vital local information outlets in Oregon and nationwide”. Wyden said, “Trump has made it painfully clear he thrives best in dark, deceitful places, which is why I’ll keep spotlighting our First Amendment rights whenever they are threatened by authoritarian wannabes”. Wyden said, “As the son of a journalist and an elected official who knows full well the need for reliable local news, I’ll always fight for a free press and the crucial service it provides in maintaining healthy and vibrant communities”.

In addition to Wyden, the resolution was led by Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii and is co-sponsored by 14 other Democratic senators.

The full text of the resolution is linked: https://www.schatz.senate.gov/download/local-news-month