As local news outlets announce furloughs, layoffs and pay cuts, politicians are pushing to get the Fourth Estate financial help to stay afloat through the coronavirus pandemic, CBS News reports.
"Just like people say, 'I hate Congress but I love my congressman,' in a similar way, politicians will say, 'I hate the media' but they also very much care about the health and well-being of their local news publisher, because they know the role it plays in the community and the need to get quality and reliable information to the public," David Chavern, president and CEO of the News Media Alliance, told CBS News.
While journalists work around the clock to report on the coronavirus pandemic, news outlets large and small have faced financial struggles as advertisers cut spending during the crisis.
The New York Times estimates 33,000 employees of U.S. media companies have seen changes to their employment status since the outbreak started.
To help local news outlets, a bipartisan group of four senators sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Sunday asking them to make sure local newspapers, television and radio stations can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program.
To do so, Senate Democrats Maria Cantwell of Washington and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, and Senate Republicans John Kennedy of Louisiana and John Boozman of Arkansas — want future legislation to waive the SBA’s affiliation for local newspapers and broadcasters, which may restrict companies owned or controlled by larger entities from receiving aid.
"Ensuring that local news outlets remain viable at this critical time is not only a matter of fairness, but is essential to public health," the senators wrote. "Local newspapers, radio and television stations provide important local content that keeps their communities informed.”
A bipartisan group of 240 House members are also calling for the Trump administration to support news organizations by directing federal advertising dollars to local outlets.
"Local news and information on radio, television and newsprint is more in demand than ever, yet local media outlets are experiencing catastrophic losses in advertising revenue that allows them to continue investing in providing that news to the public," the lawmakers wrote in a letter to President Trump on Monday. "This national emergency has caused a near halt to local business activity and in turn, the regular and vital advertising they purchase from local media. Without advertising revenue, local media outlets cannot survive."
Some news organizations announced they have received federal aid from the Paycheck Protection Program.
The Seattle Times Co. announced Wednesday it received a $9.9 million loan, which will provide the company a "lifeline" for the next 60 days, President and Chief Financial Officer Alan Fisco said in a statement.
Axios CEO Jim VandeHei said Wednesday the news outlet is set to receive a loan of nearly $5 million, which will help keep employees on-board for the rest of the year.
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