News Media Alliance, with the backing of hundreds of members of Congress, is pushing for a federal advertising campaign to help support local newspapers and broadcasters.
The campaign is one of several solutions proposed to Congress by the Alliance. With local advertising revenue hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea behind the campaign is to bring back some of that revenue while allowing the federal government to speak directly to its citizens amid the ongoing public health crisis.
- RELATED: Tell your Representatives and Senators how they can support local newspapers
- RELATED: Urge government to support local newspapers through public service advertising
- RELATED: Urge Congress to stop putting off looming USPS crisis — add your signature
- RELATED: Ad Council’s Coronavirus response campaign toolkit
- RELATED: 5 ways to reframe your thinking and marketing during the pandemic
NMA asked Congress to provide at least $5 billion in local newspaper and broadcast advertising. The campaign would provide vital health, education and economic information to citizens. It also could be used to educate citizens on what to expect when their community reopens.
Hundreds of members of Congress backed the idea last week in two letters to the Trump Administration. The first letter was signed by over 240 members of the House of Representatives and the second letter received the signatures of 74 U.S. senators.
Other proposed solutions from NMA include:
- Expanding the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program to ensure all local news outlets are eligible.
- Supporting journalism jobs in local communities to address layoffs and furloughs caused by COVID-19.
- Changing the new pension relief law to include all newspapers.
How you can help support NMA’s efforts
- Contact the Washington office of your representative and senators and ask to speak with their chief of staff.*
- Contact the district office that is closest to your newspaper and ask to talk with the office director.
- Write an editorial in support of the legislative proposals.
- Publish an op-ed by Alliance President & CEO David Chavern (download here) outlining the challenges facing newspapers and what Congress can do about it.
