Despite GOP and big tech opposition, bill to have Google and Facebook help pay for local …

By BRYCE DOLE/Oregon Public Broadcasting SALEM — A bill that would require large tech companies to compensate newsrooms for the local journalism on platforms like Google and Facebook is advancing to the floor of the Oregon Senate. Democrats on the Senate Committee on Rules on Monday advanced Senate Bill 686 to the floor over Republican opposition. The bill would have tech companies pay at least $122 million annually to access the media produced by journalists across Oregon. It would also allow companies to determine a different payment through arbitration and fund a consortium at the University of Oregon that supports journalism statewide through grants. Money under the bill would be distributed to newsrooms based on how many journalists they employ in the state. The bill was introduced by Sen. Khanh Pham, D-Portland. It’s sponsored by 14 Democrats and one Republican, Sen. Dick Anderson, R-Lincoln City. As Oregon newsrooms struggle and local reporting jobs plummet, supporters say the bill would provide a much-needed boost that could encourage civic engagement and accountability. Backers include many journalism leaders throughout Oregon and organizations advocating for sustainable local news. (Oregon Public Broadcasting is among the supporters.) Critics — big tech lobbyists among them — contend
Read More