A recent study conducted by the LOR Foundation has mapped local news outlets in Montana, revealing demographic information and coverage gaps. The study aims to help funders identify areas in need of support and drive action towards underserved communities. Researchers spent two months contacting local leaders in Montana to identify news sources that provide original local news, regardless of their medium. The study found that counties with larger populations, higher incomes, and more private businesses tend to support more local news. In response to the Trump administration’s attacks on the press, lawmakers in New Mexico have proposed a bill to strengthen privacy protections for journalists. The bill, inspired by the federal PRESS Act, would prevent the government from obtaining subpoenas to force journalists to disclose their sources. While the bill failed to pass in the Senate, press freedom organizations continue to support the legislation. Overall, the study and proposed legislation highlight the importance of supporting local journalism and protecting reporters in an increasingly challenging media landscape.
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