To the editor: The position of presidency is to not choose winners and losers in journalism, which is exactly why the California Civic Media Program was designed with unbiased safeguards from the outset (“Ensure that California’s journalism fund supports key players,” Could 18). Funding choices will in the end be made by an unbiased third-party administrator, not by state officers or political appointees.
This system additionally adopted the Legislature’s course within the creation of a nine-member advisory committee, which has constantly emphasised increasing entry to native, ethnic and group media, significantly in underserved communities and areas with restricted native information protection — objectives enshrined in this system’s statute. Moreover, it says the advisory board “could contemplate” awarding funds based mostly on the variety of journalists a corporation employs — however under no circumstances requires it.
The aim of the California Civic Media Program was by no means merely to protect the state’s largest publishers, though they’re important. It was to assist shut info gaps, strengthen newsroom sustainability and guarantee extra Californians have entry to correct, well-sourced native reporting that empowers participation in civic life and builds stronger communities throughout the state. At a time when native journalism is struggling nationwide, California is working arduous to assist maintain and strengthen it for future generations.
Dee Dee Myers, Los Angeles
This author is director of the Governor’s Workplace of Enterprise and Financial Improvement.
