Local news outlets have proven themselves to be valiant first responders amid this pandemic, with journalists on the frontlines of the crisis.

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Tell Congress:
“As you consider further economic stimulus legislation to help the country at this precarious moment, we urge you to include targeted assistance to local journalists, just as you have with other industries deemed essential to our nation’s health, prosperity and recovery. Local news outlets, ranging from state to city and community-level media organizations, are necessary partners in meeting the critical information needs of Americans—especially during today’s public health and economic crisis.”

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Friend,

The COVID-19 pandemic is pushing local news agencies to the brink of extinction. At a time when local reporting is critical to communities across the country―bringing readers information that national outlets can’t replace―they are also suffering devastating financial losses.

You may have seen PEN America's new Local Heroes initiative ([link removed]) , which we launched yesterday in the lead-up to World Press Freedom Day on May 3. With this new campaign, PEN America is celebrating excellent local reporting and recognizing the sacrifices journalists across the country make to meet this vital mandate—even as their news outlets face mounting financial challenges and are forced to cut back on staff and distribution.

Ad revenue is way down as traditionally reliable advertisers such as restaurants, events and local vendors close. This is forcing local news outlets to furlough and lay off employees, and drastically cut print publication at a time when their reporting is most critical.

As Congress considers future economic stimulus aid packages for adversely impacted people and businesses, they must also provide a lifeline to local reporters and local media to ensure they can continue providing their vital service to the American people.

Sign the petition to Congress to include funding for local news in the next emergency COVID-19 stimulus package. ([link removed])

The nation’s local news outlets have proven themselves to be valiant first responders amid this pandemic, with journalists on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis. In fact, many state and local governments have now recognized, in executive orders relating to shutdowns, that local journalism is an “essential service.”
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“When we publish a COVID-19 related story, we ask how can this empower people right now to protect their families, to advocate for their rights as workers, or organize with their neighbors for housing protections.” —Alysia Harris and Anna Simonton, Scalawag Magazine

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"Local news outlets have kept their readers informed in ways that larger publications can’t by following every step of states’ and localities’ response to COVID-19."
—Connor Sheets, AL.com and The Birmingham News

Local news outlets, ranging from state- to city- and community-level media organizations, are necessary partners in meeting the critical information needs of people in the United States―particularly in the midst of a health crisis that is impacting every single U.S. community.

Yet on top of the health risks individual reporters are taking, the sector as a whole is suffering gravely as the nationwide shutdown has accelerated their loss of revenue.

Sign the petition urging members of Congress to act immediately to provide a lifeline to local reporters and local media to ensure they continue providing their vital service to the American people. ([link removed])

Thank you for taking action today to protect your local paper and local news across the country.
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Thomas O. Melia
Washington Director
PEN America
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