AB 323 requires state
agencies to give preference to local news organizations, specifically ethnic
media and community organizations, in contracts and subcontracts for marketing
and outreach advertising services. It also extends the newspaper carrier
exemption from Dynamex for two additional years, allowing news outlets to
stabilize from COVID-19 losses.
More than a dozen
“A functioning democracy
is dependent on a well-informed constituency,” said Assemblymember Rubio in her
presentation of AB 323 to the Committee. “The demise of newspapers will mean
many lost jobs, and will leave many communities without local journalism.”
“As an immigrant to this
country that represents an extremely diverse section of
Numerous witnesses spoke
in favor of AB 323, including California Black Media, the Los Angeles County
Business Federation (BizFed), and the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Witnesses urged the committee to consider the importance of community
journalism as the state addresses COVID recovery.
Arturo Carmona,
representing La Opinion, shared with the committee the impact of newspaper
closures on communities of color, asking for a lifeline in “their great time of
need.”
AB 323 is now headed to
the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
# # #
Assemblywoman Rubio
represents the 48th Assembly District, which is comprised of the cities of
Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bradbury, City of Industry, Covina, Duarte, El Monte,
Glendora, Irwindale, Monrovia, West Covina, and the San Gabriel Valley
unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, including Bassett, Charter Oak,
Citrus, East Arcadia, Ramona, Valinda and West La Puente.
Website of Assemblymember Blanca E. Rubio:www.asm.ca.gov/Rubio
Minnie Santillan
Assemblymember Blanca E.
916-752-4080
minnie.santillan@asm.ca.gov
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