Pennsylvania consortium would award grants for local news projects

An independent nonprofit consortium would award competitive grants for local news and civic information projects. Eligible applicants would include nonprofits, colleges, libraries, and media outlets able to carry out a project in Pennsylvania. A 15-member board would govern the consortium. Grants would give priority to communities with limited access to reliable local news and civic information. If enacted, the act would take effect 60 days later.

Grant recipients would control their reporting, and the consortium would make its work open to public review. The consortium would provide access to records under Pennsylvania's public records law and post funded projects, reports, and meeting schedules online. Its board would oversee independent evaluations and financial audits. The consortium could not interfere with funded content, and state officials could not try to influence recipients' editorial decisions. Public meetings would take place at least once each year in each of Pennsylvania's northern, central, and southern regions.

The consortium would run a pilot program and submit a plan for long-term funding. The consortium would send the funding plan to the Governor and General Assembly. The plan could recommend fees, an investment fund for ongoing support, and further legislative or budget action. These provisions would not themselves impose a fee or set aside money. The funding plan would be due after the pilot program ends.