WASHINGTON — West Virginia’s two U.S. senators are among lawmakers supporting aid for rural newspapers and broadcasters during the pandemic.
Sens. Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia with 74 other senators have asked the Office of Management and Budget to help local media outlets that provide an integral service during the pandemic, but have been hit hard by the effects.
“Local newspapers and broadcasters have been particularly hit hard financially due to decreased revenue typically derived from advertising sales,” a letter to Acting Director Russell Vought of the Office of Management and Budget. “This comes at a time when they have increased coverage of daily news, alerts and educational programs.”
As Congress and the administration strive to keep small businesses operating and employees on the payroll through the Paycheck Protection Program, an opportunity exists for the federal government to provide relief to local newspapers and broadcasters, the letter said. Many federal agencies maintain advertising accounts to provide public notices and information, such as the Census Bureau for advertisements about the the 2020 Census.
“With the passage of new programs under the C.A.R.E.S. Act and other COVID-19 related legislation, there is an opportunity for the federal government to disseminate essential information to Americans through local advertisements,” the letter said. “Further, allowing for flexibility for state and local governments to use federal funds to publicize new programs and information to their residents would serve a vital, dual interest. Increasing local advertising will both help disseminate important information to communities and support local media with revenue that will help keep them operating. This action can be implemented today, without the need for additional federal appropriations from Congress.”