Opinion

Over the past few months, New York City’s groundbreaking program to direct 50% of government advertising toward community news outlets has drawn fresh scrutiny. And in examining the policy’s strengths and weaknesses, two things are clear: First, the policy has succeeded as a lifeline to local news, directing more than $72 million to mostly small outlets that serve the city. Second, there are flaws that must be addressed.

A new independent report makes clear that since the policy went into effect, community and ethnic news outlets have benefited tremendously, in many cases improving coverage and staffing for the many communities that rely on non-English speaking outlets and hyperlocal community media for their news.

Lori Henson is policy manager of Rebuild Local News.