A recent E&P Reports interview with Rebuild Local News co-founder Steven Waldman has drawn attention from The Wall Street Journal editorial page, which weighed in this week on the growing role of public policy in supporting local journalism.
During the interview, Waldman discussed how tax credits, government advertising initiatives, fellowships and other state-backed programs are becoming a larger part of the local news sustainability conversation. Rebuild Local News estimates that more than $129 million has already flowed into local newsrooms through state-level efforts.
The Wall Street Journal opinion piece “The Return of State-Backed Media,” written by James Freeman, assistant editor of the editorial page, questioned whether taxpayer-supported journalism could weaken media independence and argued that local news organizations ultimately must remain accountable to consumer demand and public trust.
The exchange reflects a growing national debate over how local journalism should be sustained as traditional advertising and subscription models continue to face pressure.
Watch the original E&P Reports interview with Steven Waldman:
"Tens of millions flow into local news as public policy becomes journalism’s fourth leg"
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