Campaign Overview: Why We Need This Disclosure Act

The Local News Ownership Disclosure Act is a legislative initiative driven by Boycott Media to address the pervasive issue of undisclosed political and corporate influence in regional news. This campaign is pushing for the adoption of local ordinances that would require all news entities operating within a municipality to publicly release detailed information about their ownership, major investors, and political donor ties. We believe that consumers have a right to know who is funding the news they read.

The Problem: Hidden Hands in Local News

Local news is often seen as a trusted, unbiased source, but consolidation has allowed massive, complex ownership structures to emerge. These structures can obscure the true interests driving editorial decisions, especially concerning local politics, real estate, and development. This lack of transparency is a direct threat to ethical journalism and civic accountability.

• Undisclosed owners can push specific political agendas without public knowledge.
• Local reporting is weakened when journalists fear retaliation from politically connected owners.
• The public cannot make informed choices without knowing the potential biases of their information sources.

Legislative Components of the Proposed Act

The Disclosure Act is designed to create a clear legal framework for mandatory media transparency. Key components include:

1. Mandatory Quarterly Reporting: All local news organizations must file detailed reports listing all individual and corporate owners holding more than a five percent stake.
2. Disclosure of Political Ties: Any owner or primary investor with active ties to political campaigns, PACs, or lobbying firms must be identified.
3. Digital Accessibility: All disclosure reports must be easily accessible to the public on a dedicated, non-paywalled government website.

How You Can Support the Legislative Push

This is a political campaign requiring sustained public pressure on local elected officials. Your action is crucial to moving this proposal from a draft to a binding law.

1. Email Your Representative: Use our provided template to send a direct message to your City Council member urging them to sponsor The Local News Ownership Disclosure Act.
2. Attend Local Meetings: Find the date of the next public council meeting where media issues are discussed and show your support during the public comment period.
3. Share the Proposal: Download and share the detailed draft of the Act with local community groups and neighborhood associations to build widespread support.