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Assembly member Buffy Wicks announced the establishment of a pioneering partnership between the State of California, news publishers, major technology companies, and philanthropic organizations. This groundbreaking initiative aims to bolster local journalism across California while simultaneously launching a National AI Accelerator.
Over the next five years, the partnership will provide nearly $250 million in public and private funding, with the majority directed toward supporting newsrooms. The first year alone will see an infusion of $100 million to jumpstart these efforts. This investment, which could grow with additional funding, seeks to address the alarming decline of local news outlets in California and across the nation.
“This agreement represents a breakthrough in ensuring the survival of newsrooms and bolstering local journalism across California—leveraging substantial tech industry resources without imposing new taxes on Californians,” stated Governor Gavin Newsom. “The deal not only provides funding to support hundreds of new journalists but helps rebuild a robust and dynamic California press corps for years to come, reinforcing the vital role of journalism in our democracy.”
Assemblymember Wicks, the author of AB 886, highlighted the urgent need for this initiative in light of the rapid decline in local journalism. A Northwestern University study revealed that the U.S. loses an average of two and a half newspapers weekly, with California alone losing over 100 newspapers in the last decade.
The initiative includes the creation of a News Transformation Fund, managed by the UC Berkeley School of Journalism, aimed at providing financial resources to sustain and expand California-based journalism. This fund will particularly benefit local and underserved communities, ensuring the survival of small, local outlets that play a critical role in community journalism.
“As technology and innovation advance, California must continue to champion the vital role of journalism in our democracy,” said Assemblymember Wicks. “This partnership represents a cross-sector commitment to supporting a free and vibrant press, empowering local news outlets up and down the state to continue in their essential work.”
In addition to supporting journalism, the initiative also includes the launch of a National AI Innovation Accelerator. This program, administered in collaboration with a private nonprofit, will provide resources for exploring the use of AI in various sectors, including journalism. The AI accelerator is expected to create new tools to help journalists access and analyze public information, complementing the work of the News Transformation Fund.
“The University of California is proud to partner with Governor Newsom and legislative leaders to bolster the critical work of local news organizations and journalists in California,” said UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D. “Californians depend on robust local and diverse news organizations to stay informed about their communities.”
The initiative has received widespread support from various sectors, with many expressing optimism about its potential to sustain and innovate local journalism in California.
“This is a win for all Californians. Disinformation flourishes when quality journalism disappears. This critical funding will help local publishers survive and keep their communities informed and engaged,” said Neil Chase, CEO of CalMatters.
Work on these initiatives is set to begin immediately, with both programs expected to go live in 2025.
