“Support Local News,” an ad campaign supported by Google News Initiative, Local Media Consortium and Local Media Association will spend $15 million in ads in local newspapers, their sites, radio, TV and online-only newsrooms, reports Poynter.
The campaign will run in North America for the next six weeks.
“This is a significant moment for the local media industry,” said Nancy Lane, CEO of LMA, in a press release. “People may not understand why they need to support local news organizations with digital subscriptions, donations, memberships and advertising if applicable. This $15 million ad campaign will help us change the conversation.”
More than 30 newsrooms across the country have closed down since the pandemic began. Although the funding may not be enough to prevent furloughs, pay cuts or layoffs, this funding still sets an example for brands and advertisers to invest directly into local news.
