The United States has seen a significant reduction in public media funding, amounting to $1.1 billion. This change marks a shift from the previous bipartisan support for public media in the country. David Folkenflik, NPR Media Correspondent, explored the history and decline of this support during Trump’s administration.
In contrast, Canada invests significantly more per person in public media than the U.S., according to a 2022 NiemanLab report. Canadians spend about $26.51 per person compared to just $3.16 by Americans before the recent cuts.
A legal victory was achieved when a judge ordered Los Angeles police to cease using rubber bullets on journalists who do not pose an imminent threat. The ruling came after a lawsuit filed by the Los Angeles Press Club and ACLU of Southern California.
In Pittsburgh, strikers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette have reached 1,000 days on strike as they continue their battle with management over labor disputes.
Buffalo News Guild members had to postpone an event due to threats against editorial cartoonist Adam Zyglis and his family following criticism of one of his cartoons.
Journalists at New York Daily News are negotiating their first contract amid staff reductions and financial challenges under Alden Global Capital’s ownership since 2021.
Hearst announced its acquisition of Dallas Morning News shortly after purchasing Austin American-Statesman, raising concerns among journalists about potential impacts on collective agreements.
In other developments, Snopes workers gained voluntary union recognition following strong support for unionization efforts. Nonprofit staff at Ozone House Youth and Family Services also launched a union campaign seeking greater voice in organizational operations.
Recent studies indicate that America has lost over 75% of its local journalists since 2002, exacerbating news deserts across North America often due to hedge funds’ influence on local newspapers.
Non-media members within The NewsGuild are forming a caucus aimed at coordinated contract bargaining and community mobilization efforts. Additionally, preparations are underway for The NewsGuild’s Sector Conference scheduled for August in Pittsburgh.
