WASHINGTON - Thousands of local US newspapers and broadcast outlets, grappling with a massive downturn in advertising because of the Covid-19 pandemic, would be eligible for financial help under legislation introduced in Congress on Wednesday .
A similar effort to help local news outlets is part of a proposed US$3 trillion relief bill introduced on Tuesday by Democrats in the US House of Representatives. Senate Republicans do not support the large spending Bill, but majorities in both houses have signed letters urging additional support for local media.
NAB CEO Gordon Smith said in a statement,"hometown broadcasters and community newspapers are providing vital news and information during these unprecedented times to keep families and communities safe, while struggling with record advertising revenue losses". Last month, four groups representing broadcasters and newspapers, including the NAB, asked lawmakers to support up to US$10 billion in government advertising and to rewrite PPP rules.