[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 132 (Thursday, September 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        INTRODUCTION OF ``NEWSPAPER REVITALIZATION ACT OF 2009''

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 2009

  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the ``Newspaper 
Revitalization Act of 2009,'' the companion to legislation introduced 
in the Senate by Senator Cardin (D-MD). This legislation will help 
newspapers across the country that are closing down or facing 
bankruptcy at an alarming rate by allowing them to become non-profit 
501(c)(3) organizations similar to public broadcasting. Large cities 
whose newspapers include, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Seattle Post-
Intelligencer, The Rocky Mountain News, San Francisco Chronicle, and 
The Baltimore Sun are at risk of losing their dailies. Unless something 
is done soon, it is possible that many metropolitan regions may have no 
local daily newspapers.
  Many bloggers, Google news, and punditry get their original news from 
the diligent work of beat reporters for daily newspapers who have 
invested years on their beat and provide the best information on an 
issue from many perspectives. This type of beat reporting requires 
commitments of both time and money, and unfortunately, the current 
economic climate has only worsened the already precarious business 
situation for many newspapers. This bill would provide for a voluntary 
option for newspapers and a way for a community or foundations to step 
in and preserve their local papers that are rapidly disappearing.
  Newspapers are an essential component to our free democratic society. 
Studies have shown that areas where daily newspapers have gone out of 
business there has been a rise in corruption in government and 
plummeting civil engagement in politics. With the state of the current 
newspaper model, dependent on advertising and circulation revenue, it 
will be difficult for newspapers to maintain and produce high quality 
news without bold changes. I urge my colleagues to support this 
legislation as an important first step in saving them.

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