OLYMPIA — Local news outlets across Washington face significant challenges due to staffing cuts and declining revenue, resulting in a loss of critical coverage for many communities. In response, Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) has introduced Senate Bill 5400, a bipartisan effort aimed at supporting local journalism and ensuring the continued availability of important news.  

The bill will be heard in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28. 

“Local journalism is the backbone of an informed, engaged public,” Liias said. “It highlights the issues that shape our communities, holds leaders accountable, and drives civic participation. This bill ensures that local news organizations, particularly those serving underrepresented communities, have the support they need to continue their vital work.” 

The bill establishes the Washington Local News Journalism Corps, a grant program within the Department of Commerce designed to direct funding to local news organizations, with a particular focus on underserved communities. The grants would support print, broadcast, and online news sites, and grants would be based on the number of local journalists each local news organization employs in Washington. The grant program would be funded by an increase in the business and occupation tax paid by very large technology companies. 

“The League of Women Voters of Washington strongly supports this bill,” LWVWA President Mary Coltrane said. “The decline of local news accompanies diminished civic engagement. Government watchdogging is put at risk; this is bad for democracy. Though modest in funding, SB5400 will set a path to correct these ills.” 

The bill sets clear eligibility criteria for grant recipients, requiring news organizations to employ journalists dedicated to covering local issues. It also ensures that funding is allocated to organizations committed to producing original, local content that serves the public interest. 

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