Padilla Urges Congressional Action to Support Local Newspapers and Journalism
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) expressed his firm support for Congressional action to ensure local newspapers and journalists can continue to thrive and provide local, independent news to the communities they serve.
During a hearing on journalism, competition, and the effects of market power on a free press, Padilla questioned witnesses Jennifer Bertetto, President and CEO of Trib Total Media, Inc., and Joel Oxley, General Manager of WTOP News and examined what’s at stake if local and community-facing news outlets continue to disappear.
“Our democracy depends on a healthy and vibrant information ecosystem,” said Senator Padilla. “Yet, in the last 20 years, more than a quarter of the country’s newspapers have disappeared. Local, regional, community, and independent media are understaffed, under resourced, and in need of assistance as they work to identify new, sustainable business models. It is critical that Congress explore how we can assist the news industry as it tries to find its footing during this transition period.”
Additional information and materials on the hearing are available here.
Video of Padilla’s remarks can be found here.
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