About two in three Americans support allocating coronavirus relief funds to local news organizations, according to a Thursday poll from Gallup.
The poll found that 65% of adults from the survey would back giving relief funds to local organizations. Thirty-four percent disagreed, according to the poll.
Fewer Americans are concerned that local publications will be affected economically by the virus. Gallup found that around 49% of people surveyed are “very” or “moderately” worried that local news organizations will be affected.
A local newspaper the Richmond Free Press, with a front page featuring top Virginia state officials embroiled in controversies, sits for sale in a newsstand near the Virginia State Capitol, February 9, 2019 in Richmond, Virginia. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
This poll comes on the heels of 126 House members signing a bipartisan letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy regarding funds fo local broadcasters and news organizations. (RELATED: Political TV Ads Not Going Anywhere — Because They Work)
The letter, sent April 29, recommended that more of these businesses be allowed to qualify for the Small Business Administration loans which fall under the Paycheck Protection Program.
“Reliable local information and reporting in our communities is more important than ever— newspapers and broadcasters are working ‘around the clock, often in dangerous conditions, to consistently get critical and timely information to the public,'” according to the letter. “Local news publishers and broadcasters employ thousands of journalists—including reporters, photographers, newsroom staff, and others—to provide timely and accurate news to keep people informed about their communities.”
“Under ordinary circumstances, this work is essential to public health and safety, local businesses, and our democracy. But it is more important than ever as our country responds to and recovers from the COVID-19 crisis.”