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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, 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.
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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