Lobbying resources
The legislative affairs team comprised of PNA lobbyists and an outside government affairs firm work tirelessly in Harrisburg and across Pennsylvania to advocate for public policy that: serves the business interests of the news media industry; promotes local journalism; protects press freedom; and ensures open and transparent government across the commonwealth.
Public policy issues
The PNA legislative affairs team advocates for public policy serving the business interests of local news media and championing legislation that fosters essential, robust and compelling journalism. Key issues are:
- Keeping public notices in newspapers of general circulation.
- Pursuing improvements and updates to the Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act.
- Protecting First Amendment freedoms.
- Promoting open, accessible and accountable government.
- Passing legislation that provides economic and tax incentives for local news organizations and the small businesses that support them through advertising in local news publications.
Inside the legislative push
Our legislative professionals work collaboratively to promote public policy that advances issues of greatest concern to our members while opposing bills that would adversely affect Pennsylvania news media organizations and their journalists. Priorities such as keeping public notice in newspapers and updating and improving the Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act are supported and championed through:
- Building productive relationships with state legislators, government agencies and their staff members.
- Meeting with legislators in Harrisburg and in their home districts to elevate their awareness of the essential role local news media plays in strong, engaged communities and a healthy democracy.
- Tracking all bills moving through the Legislature.
- Reaching out to legislators and committees on legislation of particular interest to PNA members.
- Providing background information, amendatory bill language, and original legislation drafts as necessary.
- Testifying on behalf of PNA interests at legislative committee hearings and meetings.
Newspaper research
Eighty-five percent of Pennsylvania registered voters say they have the most trust in local newspapers, print and online; that level of trust surpasses other news media outlets.
Local newspapers are key not only to reporting the news and information people want and need, but they are also essential to the economic health of the Pennsylvania communities they serve.
Achieving legislative success
PNA reaches its goals by:
- Committing to the belief that local news media is key to creating and maintaining strong, engaged communities and a healthy democracy.
- Communicating legislative initiatives to PNA members, government officials and the public through op-eds, media campaigns and speaking opportunities.
- Providing updates to PNA members via weekly newsletters.
- Rallying PNA member participation in Day on the Hill, National Newspaper Week, Sunshine Week and other events.
- Tapping members for critical legislative visits.
- Enlisting members for the Government Affairs Committee, issue-focused task forces and editorials.
- Collaborating with other statewide groups whose interests are aligned with those of PNA.