California's groundbreaking $15 million investment in local and ethnic media is at risk of being cut from the state budget. The California Local News Fellowship and Propel Initiative have placed over 110 journalists, produced 10,000+ stories, and strengthened community media serving 20 million Californians.
- More than one-third of fellowship graduates have been hired permanently. - Propel is launching an entrepreneurship initiative to build sustainable business models.
- Lawmakers omitted funding from the proposed budget, threatening these programs. - Advocates argue cutting funding now undermines democracy and leaves communities vulnerable to misinformation.
- The investment was inspired by the loss of over 70% of journalism jobs nationally and nearly one-third of local newspapers closing. - Propel will launch Fire Up, a new entrepreneurship initiative this summer to help emerging media leaders build stronger business models.