PA House Approves Support For Shrinking News Operations Across State

HARRISBURG, PA —The state House has approved a legislative package intended to help support struggling and shrinking news operations across Pennsylvania.

Approved on Wednesday were two measures introduced by Christopher Rabb, a Philadelphia Democrat, who contended the legislation would help alleviate the escalating news crisis across the state.

"Layoffs and corporate consolidation have hollowed out independent newsrooms across Pennsylvania, leaving too many residents in the dark about what’s happening in their streets, schools, and halls of power," he said prior to the package's passage.

"To make matters worse, steep federal cuts to public media threaten to further erode access to trusted information — especially in rural regions where public broadcasters are often the only remaining local news providers."

The first bill creates and funds a Pennsylvania Civic Information Consortium to distribute grants to fill critical information gaps in local news operations. The group would be an independent body separate from state government to ensure editorial independence, protect against government interference and allow it to seek money from local, state and national foundations.

The second establishes a state fellowship program for local news to put early-career journalists in community newsrooms where local coverage has diminished or vanished in recent years. According to Rabb, California, New Mexico and Washington already have such fellowship programs in place.

Rabb noted that 17 of the state's 67 counties now have just one or zero news sources, and the newsrooms that remain frequently are understaffed.

"With journalism on the brink throughout the state, now is the time to make a wise, non-partisan investment in our democracy and our civic well-being.," he said.

Eric Thurm, a spokesman for Free Press Action, a group seeking reforms in media, telecommunications and technology, applauded the move.

"No one, no matter their political persuasion, wants to live in a world where their only news options are outlets run by massive out-of-state conglomerates," he said in a release.

"Instead, these bills build on successful policies in other states to support working journalists, strengthen community cohesion and lay the foundation for a more informed and engaged Commonwealth.”

The bills now go to the state Senate for consideration.