Hi everyone, Tim Olson at KQED sent this article to me. I know he shared it with some of you, but not all. If there’s anyone in the process of responding to this, please share how others can help. A concerted effort could be most effective. He mentions that the deal may be finalized no later than August 31, but I’m pretty sure that they’ve reached a final agreement. And there is opposition from other quarters, as well. “Google, California lawmakers in last-minute negotiations for local news fund <https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/google-california-lawmakers-negotiate-local-news-fund-who-stands-to-benefit,251523>” (8/20). The concern is that in the draft deal “*all broadcasters, including public broadcasters, are being excluded*.” *Only digital first publications are eligible.* Highlights: - A draft deal <https://www.kcra.com/article/california-lawmaker-deal-journalism-and-tech-in-state/61918042> between Google, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks is circulating among California local news stakeholders. - *Instead of legislation*, state leaders and the industries will move forward with a framework that involves at least $242.5 million using a blend of state and tech money to provide funds for newsrooms plus journalism and artificial intelligence programs over the next five years. - In the draft deal, “*all broadcasters, including public broadcasters, are being excluded.” Only digital first publications are eligible.* - As of now, funding will be allocated by editorial headcount, as in the legislation - As of now, the program would be *run out of UC Berkeley journalism* school. There would be a governing board consisting of representatives from CNPA, ethnic news associations, and LION. - *The deadline is the end of California’s legislative session 8/31, but a deal may be finalized at any time before then. If groups have views they want to share with the governor’s office, Sen. McGuire or Assembly Member Wicks, they should asap.* Here’s a McClatchy story from yesterday: https://www.modbee.com/news/california/article291181140.html Some of you are new to the California Public Radio list. It includes all of California’s NPR stations plus: Radio Bilingue KUSC KIDE *Frank Lanzone, Jr. * President ~ General Manager KCBX Inc. ~ California Public Radio 4100 Vachell Lane San Luis Obispo CA 93401 805-549-8855