Congress's Shocking Move: Local Newspapers Get $10 Million Boost—What Happens Next Will Surprise You!

The National Newspaper Association (NNA) celebrated a significant development on February 3, 2026, as Congress reaffirmed its support for local newspapers. The appropriations package was passed by the House and subsequently signed by President Trump, marking a continued commitment to utilizing community journalism as a vital communication tool.

Notably, this year’s appropriations package includes directives for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to incorporate local newspapers from rural and small markets into their public health advertising campaigns. This initiative aims to ensure that critical health messages reach communities that may otherwise be overlooked by larger media outlets.

The inclusion of this language in the Labor HHS ED report is not a new development; it marks the third consecutive year that such provisions have been adopted. NNA Executive Director Lynne Lance emphasized the organization’s readiness to provide quality service to HHS, noting that the streamlined process of “one order, one bill” simplifies interactions for both agencies and media buyers.

Earlier in the same fiscal year, the NNA had successfully lobbied for similar appropriations in the Senate Agriculture Appropriations report, reflecting the ongoing efforts to secure funding and support for local news outlets.

The importance of community newspapers was highlighted by NNA Chair Martha Diaz Askenazy, who is also the publisher of the San Fernando Valley Sun and El Sol Newspapers. She stated, “The members of NNA are very effective in reaching out to Congress for this kind of support. Having Congress support our efforts in successive years shows the strength of community journalism across the country and their ability to communicate with their readers.”

NNA Public Policy Chair Brett Wesner, who oversees Wesner Publications in Cordell, Oklahoma, expressed gratitude towards Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), along with Representatives Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma), Robert Aderholt (R-Alabama), and Stephanie Bice (R-Oklahoma). Their continued backing underscores the vital role local newspapers play in serving their communities.

The language adopted in the House Labor HHS Appropriations report specifically addresses the role of local media in delivering lifesaving messages to small and rural communities. It urges the HHS Secretary to ensure that local media are integral to the Department's public health advertising initiatives. Local media, in this context, includes not only newspapers but also non-daily publications, television, and radio stations.

The committee’s report outlines that within 90 days of the enactment of this act, the Office of the Secretary must provide an update on the utilization of local media for public health messages in rural areas. Additionally, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, in partnership with the CDC’s Office of Rural Health, is tasked with reviewing local media’s effectiveness in these communities and reporting back within 180 days.

In a broader sense, this governmental support reflects a growing recognition of the significance of local journalism. As the media landscape shifts with the rise of digital platforms, community newspapers remain an essential source of information, especially in regions where access to news is limited. By ensuring that public health messages are communicated effectively through these outlets, public health officials can bridge the gap in health literacy and access in underserved areas.

As the NNA continues to advocate for local journalism, their efforts serve as a reminder of the critical role these publications play in connecting communities with vital information. The ongoing collaboration with Congress demonstrates a shared understanding of the importance of maintaining vibrant local journalism as a cornerstone of a well-informed public.