Critics argue taxpayer funding for journalism creates concerns about government involvement in media.
(The Center Square) – Minnesota lawmakers are considering legislation that would provide taxpayer funding to support journalism internships and local news operations through the Minnesota News Media Institute.
The proposal, included in the Senate omnibus jobs bill, would appropriate $250,000 for a “local news talent pipeline program” administered by the Minnesota News Media Institute, the nonprofit arm of the Minnesota Newspaper Association.
The bill was originally introduced in the House and Senate with a $500,000 appropriation.
Under the legislation, grant funding would support paid internships at Minnesota newspapers, television and radio broadcasters, and digital news platforms. The internships would focus on reporting, editing, media design and other operational functions.
Lisa Hills, executive director of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and Minnesota News Media Institute, said the organization introduced the legislation in response to mounting pressures on local news organizations.
“With everything that’s happening in the industry … we wanted to come up with a policy that would support community news,” Hills told The Center Square in an exclusive interview. “We thought this language would be a good start.”
Hills said the proposal builds off the institute’s longstanding internship program, which she said has more demand than available funding.