A unified response to fragmented advocacy
America’s Newspapers has launched a new state advocacy coalition to strengthen the voice of local journalism in statehouses nationwide. The coalition’s mission is clear: to unify press associations and publishers around common policy goals, sharing resources and strategies to preserve the essential role of local newspapers.
Dean Ridings, CEO of America’s Newspapers, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “In our board meetings, there was a consistent theme — the vital role of state press associations. Our board asked, ‘What can we do to help them?’” He emphasized that while national groups have their place, no one else is positioned to meet advocacy needs at the state level.
The coalition also seeks to defend for-profit journalism from rising criticism. “The majority of journalists in this country still work for for-profit newspapers,” Ridings noted. “These owners care deeply about their communities. We need another voice to stand up for them and the work they’re doing.”
How local associations are leveraging shared momentum
Debbie Anselm, newly appointed Iowa Newspaper Association executive director, called the initiative timely and essential. “When I first reached out to Dean, I was looking for opportunities to collaborate with people making a real impact in our industry,” she said. That collaboration paid off. After attending a legislative fly-in last year, she returned to Iowa with unified messaging to share with legislators and funders.
“The fly-in wasn’t just one message — it was a unified message,” Anselm said. “And that had a real impact when I communicated with our members and policy leaders back home.”
“There are a lot of successful business models out there,” she added. “The coalition gives us a chance to hear what’s working, to learn how messages are resonating, and to build on what’s effective.” She emphasized the difference between industry chatter and meaningful action: “This isn’t about noise,” Anselm said. “It’s about being heard where it matters.”
State-level challenges demand state-level support
For publishers like Alan Fisco, president of The Seattle Times and a board member of America’s Newspapers, the shift toward state-level policymaking has underscored the need for stronger infrastructure. “This is exactly what’s needed right now,” Fisco said. “In Washington state, we had a bill that came very close to passing, but we lacked the coordinated support to push it over the line.”
That experience revealed deeper issues. “Half the newspapers don’t have publishers anymore. Some are based out of state. And our state association is run by one person doing five jobs,” he explained. “It was disorganized — no centralized voice, no real structure.”
The coalition is designed to fill those gaps. “We’re hoping this initiative gives states the support and roadmaps they need to actually pass legislation,” Fisco said. His advice to fellow publishers? Get involved. “Join the coalition — but more importantly, build relationships with your local legislators. Don’t wait to introduce yourself when you need something. Build those bridges now.”
Anselm echoed that sentiment. “Issues like public notice and open records come up constantly,” she said. “We just passed anti-SLAPP legislation in Iowa — one of only a handful of states that didn’t have it. That kind of progress doesn’t happen without allies, research, and support — all things this coalition can offer.”
What success looks like one year from now
The coalition is already taking concrete steps forward. “We’re hiring a State Policy Director who will track legislation across all 50 states,” Ridings said. “We already have a great legislative monitoring platform, but we need someone to manage it full-time.”
Fisco sees enormous potential in this added visibility. “In Washington, 432 bills passed in just 105 days. It’s like D.C. on steroids,” he said. “Sometimes we don’t even know what’s in the pipeline until it’s too late. This coalition can help bring things to light earlier — before they hurt us.”
Anselm added that advocacy also supports journalism’s long-term health. “We’re working hard on outreach to journalism schools. We lose the next generation if we don't show students that this field has a future. These efforts aren’t just about legislation — they’re about the industry’s survival.”
Looking ahead, Ridings hopes the coalition will lead to tangible outcomes. “If we have a good year, we’ll see bills passed that support newspapers. We’ll see more publishers able to do their jobs better, with better tools, because of what the coalition makes possible,” he said.
“We all have our specialties — but when it comes to protecting local journalism, we’re stronger together.”
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