Rebuild Local News Aims to Bridge Policy Gap for Journalists

In 2026, the focus for local journalists and their supporters has shifted from whether public policy should support local news to defining what that policy should entail. At least 21 states and territories have introduced legislation designed to provide financial assistance to local news outlets. These proposals include measures such as government advertising set-asides, employment tax credits, newsroom fellowships, and small business advertising tax credits. Some enacted policies are already beginning to yield financial benefits for newsrooms.

Organizations like Press Forward, INN, and LION are increasing their funding and resources dedicated to public policy initiatives. Concurrently, the nonprofit Rebuild Local News is actively hiring coordinators to build coalitions and advocate for policies in states with significant legislative activity, including Pennsylvania and California. This evolving landscape has prompted many individuals invested in local journalism to move beyond viewing lobbying as incompatible with reporting duties, recognizing instead their role in championing policies crucial for the survival of local newsrooms.

Matt Pearce, director of policy at Rebuild Local News, acknowledges the challenges journalists face in navigating the political process. Pearce, who previously worked as a reporter and labor organizer at the Los Angeles Times, joined Rebuild last year and has personally experienced the steep learning curve associated with political advocacy. He aims to provide a clearer understanding of recent developments in local news policy and share his insights gained from his work with Rebuild. States such as New Jersey and Illinois have also been noted for their policy efforts in this area.