News Media Alliance Outlines Policy Objectives to Trump

David Chavern

The News Media Alliance Thursday sent a white paper to President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team outlining policy positions on regulations and existing laws that deter investment and limit growth in the news media industry.

The Alliance continues to lead the news sector’s efforts to protect the constitutional right to a free press. That objective also requires government policies that support a vibrant and growing news industry.

“Our member organizations are the lynchpin of credible and trusted journalism in our country, uncovering facts, vetting sources and facilitating public discourse,” said David Chavern, president and CEO of the News Media Alliance. “While news organizations are innovating and adapting to a vastly different media landscape, antiquated government regulations and imbalanced policies are unnecessarily hindering investment and growth at news media companies. We encourage the new Administration to revisit these regulations and policies as it charts a new course for our nation’s economic growth.”

The Alliance’s white paper outlines key public policy positions that involve such issues as: the Federal Communications Commission’s Nixon-era ban on media cross-ownership; unequal Tax Code treatment of digital news production; Copyright Act reforms that bring back value for original content creators, and press access and freedom to assure the government is open and accountable to the public.