New Jersey lawmakers vote to help dwindling local news coverage

Gov Phil Murphy (D-NJ) is approving a landmark bill that would create a new fund to bolster local news coverage, to help fill the void created by the steady economic decline of the media industry. Five universities would lead the Civic Information Consortium and with a board of directors decide which local news start-ups it would fund through a grant. Supporters say would be the first endeavor of its kind in the nation.

"Despite the good work of many talented journalists across the state, years of runaway media consolidation, layoffs and newsroom closings have left many communities with little to no local news coverage," Free Press Action Fund News Voices Director Mike Rispoli said. "That's not just bad for the journalism industry -- it's harmful to our communities and our democracy." The legislation creating the Civic Information Consortium (S2317) passed the Senate 35-0.