Latest E&P Exclusive Reporting

This week, Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) introduced the Community News and Small Business Support Act (H.R.4756) to the U.S. House of Representatives with co-sponsor Suzan DelBene (D-WA). At its core, the bill lays out a five-year plan to provide payroll tax credits to local/community news outlets, expressly to hire and retain local news reporters across the country. Small businesses (with fewer than 50 employees) that advertise in local newspapers, digital news sites, on local radio or with local TV stations are also eligible for tax credits.

A great new bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives to strengthen local news — important not just for its substance but its champion. The Community News and Small Business Support Act (HR 4756) attempts to address a horrifying phenomenon: local news is disappearing from thousands of communities across the country. Two newspapers are closing each week, on average. There’s been a 57% drop in newsroom employees since 2004. Thousands of towns have no local news source or “ghost newspapers” barely covering the area.
In this episode of "E&P Reports," we look at the last few weeks in the life of Canadian news publishing through the eyes of Paul Deegan, president and CEO of the country’s largest industry trade organization, News Media Canada. Deegan unpacks the similarities and differences between Canada and the U.S. in national advocacy of Big Tech compensation legislation. He also discusses the battles that are now going on between Google /Facebook and the Canadian government as the digital platforms threaten to remove news content within the country, and Ottawa fights back by pulling ad dollars from the platforms.
Danielle Coffey’s first few weeks leading the News/Media Alliance (NMA) were anything but "business as usual." In her first 25 days as CEO, she and her team are addressing some of the most critical issues and advocacy facing news media's future, including Gannett’s recent antitrust filing against Google; Canada's final passage of the their Journalism Compensation Bill and how this may impact the U.S. Congress passing similar legislation.
In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we go one-on-one with National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)’s general counsel, Mickey Osterreicher, to gain some advice on how both the news industry and the nation's law enforcement can work better together to respect the 1st Amendment, while each goes about their tough jobs during times of crime and crises. We also chat with him about his perspectives on helping define who a journalist is, especially now, as so many citizens are recording news on their personal devices.
Latest Industry News

Google and Apple are among potential targets for the United Kingdom’s push to increase consumer protections in digital markets and curtail potential monopolies.

The transfer marks a milestone in the fight against tech companies that featured journalism on their platforms but failed to compensate companies creating the content.
The Sun accuses its partner paper, the much larger Las Vegas Review-Journal, of declaring its operating agreement illegal in an attempt to run it out of business.
Google, already facing a possible breakup of the company over its ubiquitous search engine, is fighting to beat back another attack by the U.S. Department of Justice alleging monopolistic conduct, this time over technology that puts online advertising in front of consumers.
Center for Journalism & Liberty (CJL) at the Open Markets Institute Director Dr. Courtney Radsch shared the following statement in response to closing arguments Nov. 25 in the U.S. Department of Justice’s case against Google for monopolizing several technology products central to digital advertising. 
U.S. regulators want a federal judge to break up Google to prevent the company from continuing to squash competition through its dominant search engine after a court found it had maintained an abusive monopoly over the past decade.
The Center for Journalism & Liberty (CJL) at the Open Markets Institute has submitted a detailed letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division, advocating for decisive action to dismantle Google’s monopoly over online search and search text advertising.
The Justice Department is reportedly targeting Google’s web browser as its antitrust enforcers seek to cement a major win before Donald Trump takes office.
European Union regulators hit Facebook parent Meta with a fine of nearly 800 million euros on Thursday for what they call “abusive practices” involving its Marketplace online classified ads business.
Related Resources & Documents

Information on the Journalism Competition & Preservation Act (JCPA), which would allow news publishers to collectively negotiate with the tech platforms for fair compensation for use of their content.

The Community News & Small Business Support Act delivers on this promise with content-neutral tax credits, sunsetting in five years, for (1) hometown news organizations to employ community-based local journalists and (2) small businesses for marketing themselves with their local media organizations. National news outlets are not eligible for these tax credits. Find out more about the Community News & Small Business Act here.

Rebuild Local News helped develop and strongly supports the Community News and Small Business Support Act (H.R. 4765), introduced by Reps. Claudia Tenney, a Republican from New York, and Suzan DelBene, a Democrat from Washington. Here are numerous resource links and information about this important legislation.

From investigative reports to breaking news and weather coverage, broadcasters invest significant resources to keep Americans informed. Local radio and TV stations provide a lifeline for our communities, but the dominance of Big Tech platforms is threatening the future of local journalism. The NAB is providing news and resources to help you support this important advocacy.

The actual text of S. 1094, the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act of 2023 filed by Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN] on March 30, 2023. On June 15th, 2023 her Committee on the Judiciary, ordered that S. 1094 was to be "reported without amendment favorably."

In January of 2023 the U.S. Department of Justice issued this online press release, with links to related resources about their antitrust suit against Google for monopolizing multiple digital advertising technology products in violation of Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act.

As of April 2023, nine additional states joined the U.S. justice department’s suit against google for monopolizing digital advertising technologies, in violation of Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act. The Antitrust Division and the state Attorneys General filed this amended complaint in the Eastern District of Virginia.

Canada's largest industry association: News Media Canada, posts ongoing content related to the recent passage of Senate Bill C-18, a law requiring Google and Meta to pay media outlets for news content that they share or otherwise repurpose on their platforms.

Gannett Inc, the largest newspaper publisher by total circulation in the country has sued Google over allegations that the company is violating antitrust law in controlling tools used to buy and sell ads. This is a copy of the actual complaint filed.

In 2021 antitrust litigation against Google was filed in the state of Texas by over 200 U.S. newspaper publishing companies. One of the major law firms involved in the case produced this extensive FAQ document about the lawsuit.

More Big Tech Compensation/ Antitrust Industry News

Google threatens to stop linking to news in New Zealand

New Zealand is seeking to pass a law that would compel digital platforms like Google and Facebook to pay for news articles.

Google is misunderstood, its attorneys say in antitrust trial

The Justice Department accuses the Silicon Valley tech firm of engaging in a systematic campaign to seize control of high-tech tools used by publishers, advertisers and brokers to facilitate digital advertising.

In surprise ruling, EU court scraps $1.65 billion antitrust fine against Google

In a rare win for the tech giant, the EU's General Court scrapped a $1.65 billion fine against Google after Brussels accused it of blocking rival online search advertisers with its AdSense platform.

News publishers in spotlight as another Google monopoly trial begins

The Justice Department’s second monopoly case against Google got underway Monday in a Virginia court, with federal prosecutors taking aim this time at the internet giant’s lucrative business as the middleman for online ads.

Second historic Google antitrust trial kicks off

A landmark Justice Department case charging Google with violating antitrust laws in its ad-tech business is set to begin trial in a federal court in Virginia Monday.

Congress opens probe into whether Google search misled Americans on Trump assassination

Already facing a potential breakup from a devastating antitrust court ruling, Google got more bad news Wednesday when the main congressional oversight committee announced it had opened a probe into whether the search engine misled Americans about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump last month.

California bills could restore journalism after Big Tech’s ‘second gold rush’ pushed industry to the brink

Two bills now making their way through the California Legislature seek to address the damage Google has done to the journalism sector. 

UH Law Center Professor Guggenberger says new measures are needed to reign in power of social media giants

A few companies have established a near-monopoly over the digital public sphere, leading to dysfunction on social media, according Nikolas Guggenberger, a University of Houston Law Center Assistant Professor.

X, owned by Elon Musk, brings antitrust suit accusing advertisers of a boycott

The company claimed that members of the Global Alliance for Responsible Media coordinated to dissuade brands from advertising on X.

Google loses massive antitrust lawsuit over its search dominance

Google has violated U.S. antitrust law with its search business, a federal judge ruled Monday, handing the tech giant a staggering court defeat with the potential to reshape how millions of Americans get information online and to upend decades of dominance. (Read industry reaction to the ruling.)

6 ways the Google antitrust ruling could change the internet

Maybe you could choose a Google-quality search engine tailored to children or news. Or would Android, Google search and Chrome be split up?

News publishers: Governance of Canadian Journalism Collective must be robust

Ethnic, community, local and national news publisher associations have outlined recommendations to ensure the governance of the Canadian Journalism Collective (CJC) is robust and in keeping with modern governance practices.

Forcing Meta to carry news on Facebook and Instagram a scenario being considered by Australian government

The Australian government has been wargaming scenarios if Meta pulled news from Facebook and Instagram, including whether it could force the company to carry news or influence it via the tax system, parliament has heard.

US clears way for antitrust inquiries of Nvidia, Microsoft and OpenAI

The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission agreed to divide responsibility for investigating three major players in the artificial intelligence industry.

Google faces clawback: Appeals tribunal in UK allows case to proceed

Google has been dealt a setback in a $17 billion+ case in the U.K. 

News/Media Alliance applauds Illinois Senate Executive Committee for favorable vote on Journalism Preservation Act

The Illinois Senate Executive Committee has voted favorably in a 10-3 bipartisan vote to advance Senator Steve Stadelman’s (D-Rockford) Journalism Preservation Act (JPA, SB 3591), which would require Big Tech platforms such as Meta and Google to pay news publishers a “journalism usage fee” to use local news content.

Don’t let flare-ups distract from progress toward saving local news

Legislative sausage-making is creating some drama around proposals to save local journalism. Kerfuffles are inevitable with so much at stake. They should not distract from the bigger picture, which is that major, bipartisan solutions to the local journalism crisis are emerging and taking effect — at the state level, at least.

Google threatens to pause Google News Initiative funding in U.S.

Google is warning nonprofit newsrooms that passage of a new California bill would jeopardize the firm's future investments in the U.S. news industry, sources told Axios.

Opinion | The start of something big for local news. Congress must follow New York's lead.

This editorial and editorial cartoon are available to all newspapers for reprint.

Opinion | News legislation: Bad to worse

"I recently wrote an extensive analysis and criticism of a proposed California link tax, offering many alternatives. A state senator just proposed his own alternative — and it is even worse." — Jeff Jarvis

Newsonomics: Eight essentials as California’s 'save local news' bill picks up speed

What’s important to watch, in this gnarly legislation filled with acronyms, are two simple things: Money In and Money Out.

Judge grills U.S. and Google on antitrust claims

Judge Amit P. Mehta tried poking holes in the closing arguments of a landmark monopoly case as he weighs a ruling that could reshape tech.
Read the current issue of E&P
Sponsored News & Case Studies from E&P Marketing Partners
Join us for an exclusive live broadcast where we’ll dive deeper into the remarkable success story of Canyon Media’s Best Of program, which generated over $600,000 in new revenue using the Elite Insights platform. Learn how their team implemented a turnkey solution to drive substantial revenue growth while streamlining their operations.
Five years ago, Column set out to revolutionize the cumbersome process of publishing public and legal notices, and today, their self-serve platform is delivering results. With intuitive features like flexible document uploads, instant proofs, and real-time price transparency, Column has simplified workflows for over 850 publications and 4,500 organizations, helping law firms, government agencies, and businesses save time and reduce frustration. By offering free training and innovative tools, Column has boosted newspaper staff efficiency by 270% and allowed legal reps to handle up to 67 daily notices, earning praise for transforming an outdated industry standard.
The Defender Network has transformed its newsroom efficiency and audience engagement with Nota, an AI-powered tool tailored for modern journalism. Clyde Jiles, Strategic Alliance Manager at the Defender Network, shared how Nota helped cut content production time from 90 minutes to just 15, allowing their small team to focus on impactful storytelling. With features like tone customization and SEO optimization, Nota enabled the Defender to boost digital engagement and reach more readers without compromising journalistic quality. Jiles called the tool a game-changer, emphasizing its role in streamlining operations while amplifying their community’s voice.
Elite Insights and St. George News have revolutionized how media companies engage with their communities and generate revenue through innovative “Best Of” programs. These initiatives, powered by Elite Insights’ comprehensive software, enable publishers to create seamless, end-to-end campaigns that drive audience participation, build advertiser relationships, and unlock significant revenue streams. For St. George News, this approach has transformed their business, generating over $600,000 in annual revenue and fostering long-term advertiser loyalty, all while deepening connections with their local community.
Newsrooms can harness the power of AI to deliver personalized election content, track real-time voter sentiment, and optimize for engagement and revenue growth. AI tools, such as Nota and Chartbeat, can analyze user data and sentiment shifts, helping publishers provide tailored content that resonates with specific audiences. By enhancing reader experiences and streamlining workflows, AI empowers media companies to improve audience engagement and maximize advertising opportunities during the high-stakes election season. Ultimately, these strategies not only boost revenue but also ensure that voters stay well-informed and engaged with crucial election coverage.
In a recent interview with Johnny Levy, CEO of DataJoe and founder of the Media Data Collaborative, 1440 CEO Tim Huelskamp shared his unconventional approach to business, media, and social impact. The conversation, part of the People of Media series, explored Huelskamp’s journey in launching 1440, a rapidly growing news platform designed for the “intellectually curious,” and his passion for balancing profit with purpose.
The Center for Integrity in News Reporting (CFINR) is searching for a dynamic Communications Director to lead outreach initiatives, engage with media organizations, and advocate for ethical journalism across the United States. This high-profile role goes beyond traditional communications — it requires an individual passionate about restoring public trust in news media through advocacy, public engagement and strategic media relations.
A new multi-market analysis by The Media Audit underscores the significant influence of newspapers in the automotive sector, ranking them as the second most impactful media platform — just behind podcasts — for adults 18+ planning to buy a vehicle in the next 12 months.
In the latest edition of People of Media, DataJoe dives into an inspiring conversation with Kenny Katzgrau, founder of Broadstreet Ads and publisher of Red Bank Green. Known for his fearless creativity and people-first mindset, Katzgrau shared how he uses data-driven solutions and innovation to help businesses thrive.
BLOX Digital has announced the beta launch of BLOX NXT (pronounced "next"), a groundbreaking new content management system that is set to redefine how media organizations manage, monetize and distribute content.