Us Congress Senate Bill SR147

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23

Caption

A resolution designating April 2023 as "Preserving and Protecting Local News Month" and recognizing the importance and significance of local news.

Impact

The passage of SR147 aims to increase awareness about the declining state of local news outlets in the country. In recent years, there has been a significant drop in local newspapers and journalism jobs, which have led to a concerning lack of community-specific reporting. This resolution seeks to reaffirm the value of local journalism as a public good and its indispensable contributions to democracy, encouraging support for local news initiatives and funding.

Summary

SR147 is a resolution designating April 2023 as 'Preserving and Protecting Local News Month,' underscoring the importance and significance of local journalism in the United States. This initiative highlights the crucial role local news plays in maintaining informed citizenry and promoting civic engagement. Proponents of this bill assert that local journalism serves as a safeguard against misinformation and fosters accountability within local governments by providing essential information to communities.

Contention

While the bill is largely supportive of local journalism, it also reflects broader concerns about the health of media landscapes across the country. A significant point of contention revolves around the economic pressures that have caused closures of many local news outlets, particularly in rural areas. Critics argue that without sustained financial backing or innovative funding models, many communities risk losing their local news sources, leading to a diminished public discourse and increased government opacity.

Notable_points

The resolution contains emphatic statements about the negative effects of the loss of local news on community engagement and democratic processes. It highlights startling statistics about the state of the industry, including the loss of over 2,500 local print outlets since 2005. The resolution reflects a consensus among lawmakers that preserving local news is crucial to tackling issues related to misinformation and ensuring that citizens remain informed and engaged.