LANSING, MI -- Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Fred Upton (R-MI) have teamed up with a pair of Texas representatives to request funding for local media outlets across the U.S. as part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak. In a letter sent to President Donald Trump Monday, Dingell and Upton, along with Reps. Bill Flores (R-TX) and Marc Veasey (D-TX), said local newspapers, TV stations and other media are in need of funds as the ongoing crisis has crippled their budgets.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting local communities across our nation in unprecedented ways. All Americans are attempting to understand the full measure of this crisis, even as it continues to evolve on a daily basis," the lawmakers wrote. "As in many of our nation’s most challenging times, the public turns to free and local media for life-saving information and breaking news, because local radio, television and newspapers are still the most trusted sources in times of emergency and disaster.

"We urge you work with us in ensuring that local media can continue to inform communities, even as these outlets face unprecedented economic distress.”

The bipartisan letter was supported by 240 members of the House of Representatives. Specifically, the representatives asked President Trump to consider using federal advertising dollars planned for marketing campaigns by advertising in local media outlets.

The representatives also asked that the federal government incentivize a portion of business funds distributed through the CARES Act. Businesses that use a portion of those funds on advertising in local media markets would receive an incentive for doing so.

“America’s radio and TV broadcasters take seriously our responsibility to report, inform, comfort and educate our hometowns during these unprecedented times,” said National Association of Broadcasters President and CEO Gordon Smith in a press release. “Unfortunately, with economic activity at a standstill, local broadcasters are struggling without the local business advertising dollars that sustain stations and help local businesses generate commerce.

"We thank Reps. Dingell, Flores, Veasey and Upton and the over 240 Members of Congress who have expressed support for ensuring the future of trusted journalism, news and local media.”

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

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