EVERETT — A new bill introduced by Edmonds senator could pump up to $20 million into journalism organizations around the state.
The bill follows similar legislation in other states and countries to protect legacy media. State Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, is the lead sponsor of the bill.
“Local journalism is the backbone of an informed, engaged public,” Liias said in a statement. “It highlights the issues that shape our communities, holds leaders accountable, and drives civic participation.”
This bill ensures that local news organizations, particularly those serving underrepresented communities, have the support they need to continue their vital work,” he said.
According to the bill text, it would be paid for by a “workforce education investment surcharge … imposed on select advanced computing businesses.” The surcharge would only be paid by businesses that gross more that $25 billion per year, the bill states, which would include companies like Microsoft and Amazon.
Some companies already pay this surcharge, and the bill would increase the max cap for collection on that from $6 million to $15 million.
Any revenue beyond the proposed $20 million to journalism organizations would go to “higher education programs, higher education operations, higher education compensation, state-funded student aid programs, and workforce development including career connected learning,” the proposed bill states.
Washington has lost more than two dozen weeklies and three dailies that existed in 2004, according to a study by the League of Women Voters published in 2022, roughly 20% of its newspapers. That percentage is higher than the national average. According to the bill, newsroom staffing in Washington has decreased 44% in the last decade.
From 2005 to 2020, companies have slashed newsroom staff by 50% nationwide, the study said. The new bill hopes to address the crisis locally.
“We’re happy this important issue is getting some serious attention,” Ellen Hiatt, the executive director of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, wrote in an email. “If it’s given the support it deserves, it could prove to provide a meaningful contribution for our smaller news publishers, whose investment in the journalistic process deserves full credit and compensation.”
If the bipartisan bill is enacted, the Washington Local News Journalism Corps Program would be established within the state’s Department of Commerce. The $20 million for journalism grants would be on an annual basis.
“Trustworthy news is the foundation of a strong democracy. Every day, local newspapers fight distrust and cynicism with their honesty and integrity,” State Sen. John Lovick said in a statement. “We need to support local journalism that helps Washingtonians learn about their community and better understand each other.”
Jordan Hansen: 425-339-3046; jordan.hansen@heraldnet.com; X: @jordyhansen.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
