AIM Doesn't Want Media Eligible for PPP; Norquist Seeks Govt.-Run Local Ads
Accuracy in Media launched a campaign urging Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., not to allow media entities to be eligible for the Small Business Adminstration-administered Paycheck Protection Program as part of the next COVID-19 aid bill. Lawmakers and media…
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groups have been pushing for broadcasters and other outlets to be made eligible for PPP (see 2007290041). The House passed the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HR-6800) in May with such a provision (see 2005180056). If “radical Left newspapers fail, it’s entirely possible that better alternatives can take their place,” AIM said Monday. “Unfortunately, the media have intimidated bipartisan coalitions in both houses of Congress into supporting a bailout. The only person who stands between the media and our tax dollars is” McConnell. Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist wants federal agencies to spend their ad budgets for existing programs on local media outlets, citing the drop in local overall revenue. “Making sure that local stations are able to continue to operate throughout the pandemic to provide vital updates and information is critical, and government is in a unique position to support local television and radio broadcasters through this crisis without going to the taxpayer well,” Norquist said in a letter to OMB Director Russ Vought that NAB released Monday. “Considering the vital role that local news plays in keeping communities informed and connected, especially during emergency situations, advertising on local mediums can help disseminate critical government messages during this crisis and recovery.”