Volume 4 • Issue 03
February 15, 2022
Senators Glazer, Allen & Newman Unveil Bill to Create Fund for Public Interest Journalism SACRAMENTO – Three state senators have introduced legislation to bolster the free press that is one of the pillars of American democracy. The bill, SB 911, by Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa and principal coauthors Sens. Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica and Josh Newman, D-Fullerton, would provide state grants to individuals and organizations to help them cover issues of importance to their communities. SB 911 would create a state board that includes at least one member from ethnic media, academia, non-profit news, and others who would administer a public fund to distribute grants to bona fide news organizations and reporters. “A vibrant local press that informs the public and acts as a government watchdog has been vital to the survival of American democracy,” Senator Glazer said. “But over the past couple decades, the closure of many local newspapers and the decline of most
others has created vast ‘news deserts’ where virtually no local coverage remains. This bill will offer news organizations and individuals the tools to revive the oversight function of the local press.” This bill is modeled after the California Arts Council and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, two successful models for public funding of independent arts and media. “Quality journalism
tells the truth, no matter how uncomfortable or where it leads. A strong and independent free press is essential for a thriving and healthy democracy,” Sen. Allen said. “America ignores the erosion of public journalism at its own peril.” Over the past decade and a half, a devastating one-fourth of local newspapers have vanished nationwide, Sen. Newman said. “It’s my firm belief that there is no substitute
for the kind of strong local journalism which informs and engages the public, improves the decision-making and accountability of local and state government, and serves as a primary source of information for our communities,” Newman said. “That’s why I’m very proud to be a principal coauthor on SB 911, which will revitalize independent, local public service news coverage in California."
How it works: •An 11-member board appointed by the Legislature and the governor would manage the program. •The board would be composed of at least one (1) ethnic media publication; (1) nonprofit media organization, (1) journalism professor or dean, one (1) publisher each of publications of up to 10,000 circulation, 50,000 circulation and 100,000+ circulation; one (1) online news service, three (3) members of the general public reflecting the state’s diversity and one (1) public interest group with a focus on promoting accountable government and a robust democracy. Continued to Page 07