Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Congress Weighs Coronavirus Aid for Local Newspapers, Broadcasters

Democrats in Congress are looking to help struggling local newspapers, TV and radio stations qualify for federal coronavirus aid, according to people familiar with the matter.

The coming coronavirus legislation expected to be introduced in the House as soon as this week will include a provision to expand newspapers’ and broadcasters’ eligibility for forgivable small business loans, the people said.

Meanwhile, Sens. Maria Cantwell (D., Wash.) and Amy Klobuchar (D., Minn.) are working to find ways to move the proposal forward in the Republican-controlled Senate.

“The Covid-19 crisis has shown us how essential local news and information is to us,” Ms. Cantwell said. “Now is not the time to cut newsroom jobs critical to giving the public regional data and news on Covid-19 outbreaks.”

Many local news outlets haven’t been able to apply for the Small Business Administration’s forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans because of “affiliation rules” that force them to be measured by the size of their parent companies. The new provision to be considered by Congress would waive such rules when it comes to local news outlets.

More

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

screw them how about the self employed
that the banks wont give a loan to

Anonymous said...

We don’t need dinosaur media

Anonymous said...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
And abolish NPR & MPT too!!

Anonymous said...

Save the daily times. Otherwise no one will know how low our crime is and how smart our mayor is.

Anonymous said...

Right, because most of the congress has Gannett, Reuters, and Hearst stocks.

Anonymous said...

Maybe, it they reported the Truth, they would qualify for a loan!

Anonymous said...

Maybe if they were honest.

Anonymous said...

The hell with the local media--SBY is the future. If they cant make it they don't deserve to exist. Lord knows there has been plenty for them to report on but people just aren't buying fake news anymore.WBOC sucks

Anonymous said...


"...Democrats in Congress are looking to help struggling local newspapers, TV and radio stations.."

Trying to preserve their propaganda machine.

Not a dime for these minions. Leftist lapdogs.

Anonymous said...

Screw them is correct. They are supposed to be unbiased and report news in a firm and fair manner not partial to anyone. That is why they are failing. VERY POOR REPORTING.

Anonymous said...

Next, the lawyers being the next lower slime in the swamp will want a bail out too.

Anonymous said...

If they are affiliated with large parent companies, then those companies can afford to pay the smaller newpaper companies employees. The rich never want to give up any of their money for "the little people".

Anonymous said...

Nancy's stimulus package includes every person/organization she can think of - more votes??? 20 million for the Arts again.