July 25, 2023

An E&P vodcast featuring Dean Ridings of America's Newspapers

In this episode of E&P Reports, E&P's Mike Blinder goes one-on-one with one of the key players in helping champion tax incentive-based legislation through the U.S. Congress, Dean Ridings, CEO of America's Newspapers.

Ridings offers a quick history of the new Community News & Small Business Support Act (H.R.4756), a bill designed to help sustain local journalism through tax breaks for those who pay newsroom salaries and small businesses that support local journalism through their advertising dollars. Ridings also speaks frankly about the chances of eventual passage of the bill and what each local news publisher can do to help make it happen.

LISTEN TO THE VODCAST featuring Dean Ridings

Q&A: Rep. DelBene on new bill to save local journalism

Brier Dudley, The Seattle Times' Free Press editor, talks with Rep. Suzan DelBene about the Community News & Small Business Support Act — H.R. 4756 — which would provide a tax credit to local newspapers of up to $25,000 per journalist in the first year and up to $15,000 per year for the following four years. Also included is a five-year credit for small businesses advertising in local media.

Local news is good for business

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Dean Ridings | America's Newspapers

It’s no secret that recent years have been tough on small businesses and on newspapers. A bipartisan bill, the Community News & Small Business Support Act, that has been introduced in Congress would offer relief to both newspapers and local businesses. For too many newspapers, help can’t come soon enough. Economic challenges have resulted in too many communities seeing their local newspapers being forced to lay off staff, cut back on publication days or – worse yet – close. On average, two newspapers are closing each week. That hurts local businesses and residents in the long (and short) run. However, despite the challenges, what remains true is that local newspapers make a difference in their communities.

But, don’t just take my word for it. Let’s look at the numbers and why America’s Newspapers has been pushing for the Community News & Small Business Support Act to be introduced.

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Industry people

Arkansas Press Association installs Eliza Gaines as new president

Eliza Gaines, the publisher of WEHCO Newspapers, Inc., the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's parent company, was installed Friday, July 21, as the newest president of the Arkansas Press Association.

Damon Kiesow named Knight Chair in Journalism Innovation at Missouri School of Journalism

Damon Kiesow is now the Knight Chair in Journalism Innovation at the Missouri School of Journalism, an update from his previous title of Knight Chair in Digital Editing and Producing. The new title reflects the evolution of the endowed chair position and Kiesow’s research and service as he finishes his fifth year at the School.

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Keep up with the latest news, schedule of upcoming events and other information specifically for the newspaper industry. Learn more about America’s Newspapers at www.newspapers.org. And connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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