RT @Rebuild_News: Big News: Rebuild Local News has been awarded $5.25M from Press Forward, @knightfdn and @macfound to drive nonpartisan st….

Opinion | Government advertising set asides needed | Editor and Publisher

One of my favorite days of the year.

Yesterday we had a press conference in CA calling for hearings to strengthen the state's response to the local news collapse. Today: more layoffs at LA Times, presidential decree defunding public radio/TV (key source of local reporting). Time running out.

I'm not saying Big Tech is the only cause of the local news crisis --or that they dont also provide many benefits -- but surely they can help repair the collateral damage they helped cause.

For those concerned that the big tech companies might not have enough money to help (save democracy), today Amazon reported $155 B in revenue and $17B in net income--in just Q1. Yesterday, Meta reported Q1 revenue of $42 B & $16 billion profit. Google: Q1 $90B & $35 B profit.

.@Rebuild_News released a plan to create a $125 million per year fund, financed in part by making sure that Meta and Amazon help out (not just Google). Already endorsed by California broadcasters, indy papers, public media and others.

A labor leader and an industry leader. We all need to come together for the common cause of reviving local news.

They propose that if Meta and Amazon dont contribute, the state should levy a fee. That would increase the size of the fund so it could include broadcasters (including public TV and radio) and actually help address the massive local news crisis hitting CA communities.

RT @ByMikeBaker: The disparity has grown even further. New federal data shows that the United States now has:.• 41,550 journalists.• 280,59….

RT @glastris: So, yes, we need reforms to open up greater supplies of housing, clean energy, etc. But rather than red tape, it’s the allian….

"Meta, X, and other dominant social media platforms should require user verification of any account before allowing it to be amplified by its algorithms.".

RT @StudiGo_LLC: “On one end, the local news outlets that people used to rely upon critically for coverage of these types of events, which….

RT @Report4America: Calling all journalists! We're currently accepting @Report4America corps member applications for the 2025-2026 program….

My attempt to articulate how the different players in the NEW local news food chain nourish each other.

Kay Granger hadn't cast a vote since July. This scandal is about the lack of Washington DC reporters covering a local delegation (and local issues).

via @NYTimes.

So thrilling! Of course @Report4America's reputation was built by the 658 journalists who have served in 371 newsrooms (for profit and nonprofit, rural and urban, teeny tiny and grand). Corps members & newsrooms – YOU did this through your commitment to serving your communities.

The wrong way to interpret this is, "the rubes voted for Trump because they're uninformed." Rather, they are victims because of all the consequences of life in a news desert: more corruption, higher taxes, lower bond ratings, greater social alienation and rising misinformation.

"Free speech advocates blast California ban on news reporting of sealed arrest records"