Press Release
Report Details Long History of Government Support of Journalism
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON -- A new report released today examines the history of the U.S. government's role in subsidizing the gathering and distribution of news and information. The report, Public Policy and Funding the News, by David Westphal and Geoffrey Cowan, was published by the University of Southern California's Center on Communication Leadership and Policy.
"This report reveals the long history of government support that has helped foster and protect America’s free press," said Josh Stearns, who runs the SaveTheNews.org campaign for the media reform group Free Press. "This report makes clear that smart government policies can protect the First Amendment, spark innovation and help ensure that our communities get the news and information they need. We do not need to be afraid of government subsidies. We just need to be smart about it."
The full report and working papers can be found at: http://fundingthenews.org
Read a blog post from the report's author, David Westphal: http://www.savethenews.org/blog/10/01/28/public-policy-and-funding-news
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
"This report reveals the long history of government support that has helped foster and protect America’s free press," said Josh Stearns, who runs the SaveTheNews.org campaign for the media reform group Free Press. "This report makes clear that smart government policies can protect the First Amendment, spark innovation and help ensure that our communities get the news and information they need. We do not need to be afraid of government subsidies. We just need to be smart about it."
The full report and working papers can be found at: http://fundingthenews.org
Read a blog post from the report's author, David Westphal: http://www.savethenews.org/blog/10/01/28/public-policy-and-funding-news
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
