Trust in mainstream media is at an all-time low and diverse and local media are facing an existential threat to their survival. In these dark times of economic downturn, social isolation and political uncertainty, this is a huge problem with dire implications. But what’s more alarming is that despite the real and present danger this poses to our fragile democracy, the issue is seemingly being ignored by Congress, by the business community, and by civic and local leaders.

For our part, MMCA is issuing a call to action for Corporate America and the public to provide greater support of local and diverse media with donations, subscriptions and joining our advocacy effort. This is both our civic responsibility as good corporate and individual citizens, and a great and necessary investment to avoid the social and business disruption that would result from the resulting destabilization of our democracy. We further urge Congress to provide tax and other subsidies to incentivize these efforts. For example, we urge Congress to provide all taxpayers with a $250 tax credit to offset the cost of purchasing a subscription to a “local or diverse news source” and provide small businesses with a $2,500 tax credit to buy local advertising.   

We urge you to join our fight. The many publishers and other media stakeholders of color in our network that are desperately trying to stay afloat while continuing to provide critically needed COVID-19 related information to their communities would be beneficiaries of our efforts. So will the voiceless communities that rely on local and diverse media to be heard and for someone to speak truth to power. “For when we hear the cries in their words and see their wounds, we are compelled to act.”
 
Join us and sign our petition today.