A resolution designating April 2024 as "Preserving and Protecting Local News Month" and recognizing the importance and significance of local news.
Impact
The resolution reinforces that local news is not just a commodity but a public good essential for maintaining democratic norms. It points out the detrimental effects of the diminishing number of local news sources on communities, particularly in rural areas where the absence of credible information can lead to unchecked government corruption and misinformation. This highlights the necessity for greater investment in local journalism to ensure that communities remain informed and engaged.
Summary
SR651 is a resolution that designates April 2024 as 'Preserving and Protecting Local News Month' and seeks to emphasize the importance of local news in the United States. It acknowledges the critical role that local journalism plays in fostering an informed citizenry, encouraging civic engagement, and upholding the principles of democracy. The resolution notes the alarming decline of local news outlets, highlighting the fact that nearly 2,900 local print outlets have disappeared since 2005, which threatens the availability of news in many communities.
Contention
While the resolution serves to recognize the value of local news, it implies a broader call to action for society and the government to address the challenges faced by local journalism. The ongoing economic pressures on news outlets risk further exacerbating the issue of 'news deserts'—areas with minimal or no local news coverage. The resolution aligns with previous proposals for a comprehensive rethinking of the local news landscape, illustrating a consensus on the urgent need to preserve diverse media options for all communities.
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A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.
Recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in countering the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.
A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2023.
Responding to growing threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world, reaffirming the centrality of a free and independent press to the health of democracy, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance on World Press Freedom Day.