The Fund for Oregon Rural Journalism (FORJ) expresses deep disappointment as Oregon House Bill 2605, aimed at supporting journalism initiatives, failed to secure funding in the current legislative session. This missed opportunity is a setback for the vital role that local journalism plays in ensuring the democratic process and fostering informed communities across Oregon.
HB 2605, introduced earlier this year, sought to allocate resources for sustaining and expanding journalism programs, supporting local news organizations and increasing diverse voices in news. The bill received overwhelming support from a diverse range of stakeholders, including journalists, community leaders, and concerned citizens who recognized the urgent need to strengthen rural journalism.
The Fund for Oregon Rural Journalism, an organization dedicated to sustaining and advancing quality journalism in rural areas, had high hopes that the passage of HB 2605 would provide crucial financial support for rural newsrooms and help bridge the information gap faced by these communities. The funding would have allowed for enhanced reporting on local issues, increased investigative journalism, helped publications evolve business models to adapt to the digital age and improved access to unbiased news for rural Oregonians. University of Oregon Agora Journalism School was partnering with the nonprofit to provide listening sessions and a report on best methods of sustainability in journalism.
“We are deeply disappointed by the failure of HB 2605 to receive funding,” said FORJ Executive Director Jody Lawrence-Turner. “This bill presented a unique opportunity to invest in the sustainability and growth of rural journalism, ensuring that vital information reaches underserved communities across Oregon. Unfortunately, the lack of funding means that local news organizations will continue to face significant challenges in providing comprehensive coverage to rural residents.”
Rural communities often rely on local news outlets as primary sources of information, including coverage of local government, public health updates, educational developments, and other essential topics that shape their daily lives. Without adequate support, these news organizations face financial constraints that threaten their ability to deliver reliable news and hold those in power accountable.
FORJ remains committed to advocating for the value of rural journalism and will continue its efforts to secure resources and support for local newsrooms across Oregon. The organization believes that a thriving democracy relies on the existence of robust local journalism that informs, engages, and empowers communities.
FORJ calls on legislators, community leaders, and concerned citizens to join forces in championing the importance of rural journalism and to explore alternative avenues for funding initiatives that will ensure the sustainability of these critical information sources.
About the Fund for Oregon Rural Journalism (FORJ):
The Fund for Oregon Rural Journalism is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting quality journalism in rural Oregon. FORJ works to strengthen local news organizations, increase journalism resources, and advocate for the importance of accurate and independent reporting in rural communities.
1 Comment
Interesting that Bill 2605 nineteen sponsors were senators representing Ashland, Corvallis and metro Portland (2) and representatives representing Portland (10), Eugene (2), Salem, Ashland and Bend. For a bill to enhance rural journalism, it’s odd that support was mainly from representatives from urban areas and university towns (read left- wing).
Conclusion: Left-wing legislators wanted to allocate public funds to bring left-wing journalism (EO Media) to the rural residents. No Thanks.