Support for local journalists headlines panel conversation on internship plan

At a time when political divides often mirror the fractured national media landscape, lawmakers found common ground Thursday: the importance of strong local journalism.

Lawmakers highlighted the reporters who cover everything from school board meetings to city council races to Fourth of July festivities — as Rep. Wayne Johnson (R-Cottage Grove) put it, “pronounce the town’s name right.”

That bipartisan praise came as the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee considered HF4072, to help fund a Minnesota Local News Talent Pipeline Program that would support paid internships at Minnesota newspapers, television and radio stations, as well as digital outlets.

Sponsored by Rep. Julie Greene (DFL-Edina), the bill, as amended, would appropriate $500,000 from the Workforce Development Fund in Fiscal Year 2027. It was laid over for possible inclusion in a larger budget measure.

The proposal is modeled on a program run by the Minnesota News Media Institute, which has placed roughly 1,000 young journalists since 2005. Interns gain experience in reporting, editing, media design and related skills.

Supporters say the state investment would follow similar approaches used in health care, agriculture and hospitality.

[MORE: Letters of support]

For local outlets, the benefits could be significant. Publishers described persistent workforce shortages, difficulty in recruiting and developing talent, and succession challenges even at financially stable operations.

“One of the hardest parts is finding staff. There’s usually more happening than we can cover,” said Tara Brandl, president of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and co-owner of Above the Fold Publishing, which runs three Southwest Minnesota newspapers. She said a recent intern became an employee, working her senior year of high school and on college breaks.

Cities are also taking notice. Proctor recently passed a resolution supporting the bill, warning that “the decline of local journalism is not merely a business problem but fundamentally a democracy problem that threatens informed citizenship and transparent governance.”

Lawmakers from both parties offered full-throated endorsements of local journalists.

Sharing that his daughter launched her journalism career at a local paper and is now an executive producer, Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar) asked if the program could operate with less than $500,000.

Minnesota Newspaper Association Executive Director Lisa Hills said the need is substantial. “Any amount of money would make a big difference.”