The Wrong Way To Boost Journalism

Two state lawmakers have a novel plan to save local journalism. No, thanks.

The bill to be introduced Monday would require any cable operator in the state to offer a local news channel with “news, weather and public affairs programming,” The New York Times reports.

Rebroadcasting NY1 outside the city won’t do: The shows must be designed to report on the area the cable outfit serves, with the state Public Service Commission judging if the programming is up to snuff.

No room for improper pressure there . . . right? And the PSC should have no trouble understanding journalism, since it already regulates . . . utilities?

“These companies don’t listen when it comes to us encouraging them to keep local programming,” says state Sen. Kevin Thomas, who’s offering the bill with Assemblyman Thomas Abinanti. “So there comes a time when the Legislature has to tell them.”

If the bill passes (and it has Gov. Cuomo’s support), it’d be the first US law of its kind.

“Requiring a cable company to run and staff a local news operation is a pretty audacious request,” notes Jerry Ellig, a former chief economist at the Federal Communications Commission. Original content is expensive — that’s why TV “news” has long relied on newspapers to do most actual reporting.

Lawmakers should understand the business before trying to help. Journalism is supposed to keep the powerful, state officials included, in check — not march to their orders.