Title: U.S. Government-Funded Media Face Shutdown Amidst Legal and Political Turmoil
March 17, 2025
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March 17, 2025 – General –
In response to the decline of local journalism, Washington State lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 5400, aiming to bolster the industry through a novel funding mechanism. The bill proposes imposing a surcharge on large social media platforms and search engines with annual gross revenues exceeding $5 million. This surcharge is expected to generate approximately $27 million in fiscal year 2027, with projections of an additional $102 million between 2027 and 2031.
The revenue from this surcharge would be allocated to the Washington Local News Journalism Corps Program, established within the Department of Commerce. This program would provide grants to news organizations, particularly those serving underserved communities, to support the employment of journalists covering civic affairs.
Proponents of the bill argue that tech companies benefit from local news content and should contribute to its sustainability. Senator Marko Liias, a sponsor of the bill, emphasized that the legislation is designed to support the free press without imposing additional burdens on taxpayers.
However, the bill has faced opposition. Critics contend that social media platforms and search engines should not be held responsible for the financial challenges of local journalism. Rose Feliciano, Executive Director of TechNet for Washington and the Northwest, argued that the struggles of the news industry predate the rise of social media.
As of now, Senate Bill 5400 has passed the Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce and is awaiting further consideration in the Senate Ways & Means Committee. The outcome of this legislation could set a precedent for other states grappling with the challenges facing local journalism
Reference –
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/mar/21/lawmakers-could-tax-social-media-companies-to-fund/
Washington Senate bill would tax big tech to help save local journalism—here’s how
