Bill Would Look for Ways to Sustain Local Journalism Outlets

BOSTON (AP) — Politicians and reporters are often at odds, but a bill on Beacon Hill backed by a handful of Massachusetts lawmakers is aimed at ensuring journalism doesn’t disappear from underserved communities.

The internet, social media and other digital tidal shifts have hammered away at traditional media outlets. Local newspapers have seen their advertising business models undercut.

The bill would create a 17-member legislative commission charged with looking at the state of local journalism in Massachusetts, including ways to improve local news access, ways to improve the sustainability of local press business models, and identifying career pathways for aspiring reporters.

The commission, charged with recommending legislation, would include members of organizations like the Boston Association of Black Journalists and the Asian American Journalists Association of New England.