A resolution designating April 2025 as "Preserving and Protecting Local News Month" and recognizing the importance and significance of local news.
This is a Senate resolution (S. Res. 152) introduced in the 119th Congress that designates April 2025 as “Preserving and Protecting Local News Month.” Its operative language designates the month and recognizes the essential role of local news in democracy. The body of the resolution consists of numerous “Whereas” statements that describe the challenges facing local journalism—declines in local outlets, newsroom job losses, ownership consolidation, and a range of social and civic consequences—along with the First Amendment and public-interest broadcasting context. However, the only binding, actionable provisions are the ceremonial designation and the affirmations about the importance of local news; the rest are statements of fact, concern, or context intended to inform and persuade, not to impose new duties or authorize funds. In practical terms, this resolution is symbolic. It aims to raise awareness, encourage public discussion, and underscore the value of local news to citizens, elections, and community well-being. It does not create new programs or funding, nor does it by itself mandate government action. If adopted, it could serve as a political and rhetorical tool to advocate for policies or resources that support local journalism.
Key Points
- 1Designates April 2025 as “Preserving and Protecting Local News Month.”
- 2Affirms that local news serves an essential function in the democracy of the United States.
- 3Recognizes local news as a public good and highlights the contributions of local journalism to healthy, vibrant communities.
- 4Catalogues a broad set of concerns about the local news ecosystem (e.g., newsroom declines, ownership consolidation, impacts on underserved communities, and the need to counter misinformation) to provide context for the designation.
- 5Emphasizes the constitutional commitment to a free press (First Amendment) and, by reference, the broader public-interest broadcasting framework that supports local informational programming.