Jay RosenJan 25, 2023

The market has failed. Philanthropy can't do it. The public good that is local news needs another support system. Now there's an alliance calling for public policy solutions. Rebuild Local News it is called. Their ideas:

* A tax credit for consumers to subscribe to or donate to local news
* A tax credit for small businesses to advertise in local news
* A tax credit for local news organizations to hire and retain local journalists

https://www.cjr.org/opinion/how-public-policy-can-help-save-local-news.php

#journalism #localjournalism

How public policy can help save local news

<p>It’s understandable that the idea that government should help save local media makes many journalists’ skin crawl. How can reporters get support from one of the institutions we’re supposed to be holding accountable? In this case, journalists should rethink their concerns. Here’s why: The local news crisis is severe—and on a scale beyond the capacity […]</p>

Columbia Journalism Review
Show threaddavisshaverJan 25, 2023
@jayrosen_nyu would love to see this dialed into smaller shops. Maybe unfair but seeing Alden or Gannett benefit from tax credits would not feel right to me.
Show threadDan KennedyJan 25, 2023
@davisshaver @jayrosen_nyu The tax credit to hire and retain journalists, at least, would reward chain owners only if they do the right thing. It was included in Build Back Better but President Manchin, in his wisdom, decided to reject it.
Show threaddavisshaverJan 25, 2023
@dankennedy_nu @jayrosen_nyu Policy isn’t my strong suit, so sorry if I’m conflating things here, but LION recommended against supporting JCPA - hopefully the concerns Chris raises here can be addressed in future iterations. https://www.lionpublishers.com/a-letter-to-lion-members-about-the-journalism-competition-preservation-act-and-the-online-news-act/
A letter to LION members about the Journalism Competition Preservation Act and the Online News Act - LION Publishers

Our Executive Director Chris Krewson explains why LION opposes these two legislative proposals in the U.S. and Canada.

LION Publishers
Show threadDan KennedyJan 25, 2023
@davisshaver @jayrosen_nyu I believe LION was in favor of the LJSA, or at least not opposed to it. The JCPA was very different and, yes, kind of dubious.
Show threaddavisshaverJan 25, 2023
@dankennedy_nu thank you for explaining, I need to educate myself more (by the way, I’m a regular reader & fan of your reporting, I will be watching for your take at some point!)
Show threadDan Kennedy
@davisshaver Thank you! I appreciate it.
Jan 25, 2023 at 2:12amWeb