to the editor: The role of government is not to pick winners and losers in journalism, which is precisely why the California Civic Media Program was designed with independent safeguards from the beginning (“Ensure California's journalism fund supports key players.” May 18). Ultimately, funding decisions will be made by an independent, third-party administrator, not state officials or political appointees.
The program also followed the Legislature's lead in creating a nine-member advisory committee, which has continually emphasized expanding access to local, ethnic and community media, particularly in underserved communities and regions with limited local news coverage, goals enshrined in the program's charter. Additionally, it says the advisory board “may consider” awarding funding based on the number of journalists an organization employs, but in no way requires it.
The purpose of the California Civic Media Program was never simply to preserve the state's largest publishers, although they are critical. Its goal was to help close information gaps, strengthen newsroom sustainability, and ensure more Californians have access to accurate, well-informed local reporting that boosts participation in civic life and builds stronger communities across the state. At a time when local journalism is struggling across the country, California is working hard to help sustain and strengthen it for future generations.
Dee Dee Myers, Los Angeles
The author is director of the Governor's Office of Economic and Business Development.
