HF4072

Purpose

• Create a new, one-time program funded in fiscal year 2027 to support a local news talent pipeline.
• The state would provide a grant to the Minnesota News Media Institute from the workforce development fund to encourage Minnesotans to pursue careers in journalism and local news, and to strengthen the capacity of Minnesota news outlets.

Main Provisions

• Funding and recipient: A $500,000 grant (in fiscal year 2027) from the workforce development fund to the Minnesota News Media Institute for a local news talent pipeline program.
• Program goals: Support paid internships with Minnesota newspapers, television and radio broadcasters, and digital news platforms to help participants gain hands-on experience in reporting, editing, media design, and other operational roles.
• Geographic and media balance: Strives for a balanced geographic distribution of grants and for allocation across different news mediums, to the extent practicable.
• Administrative structure: The Institute must consult with local Minnesota-based news organizations, including the Minnesota Broadcasters Association and the Minnesota Newspaper Association, on how the grant program is run.
• Administrative costs: The Institute may retain up to 5% of the funding to cover administrative expenses.
• Nature of appropriation: This is a one-time appropriation; no ongoing funding is specified beyond the 2027 fiscal year.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds a new appropriation and program: Establishes a local news talent pipeline grant program administered by the Minnesota News Media Institute, funded from the Workforce Development Fund.
• Sets collaboration requirements: Requires consultation with established state media associations (e.g., Minnesota Broadcasters Association, Minnesota Newspaper Association) for program administration.
• No broad policy changes described beyond creating this one-time grant program and its administration.

Implementation & Oversight (Summary)

• Administration: Administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development with oversight tied to the new grant program.
• Scope: Focused specifically on paid internships to support journalism and local news operations in Minnesota.

Relevant Terms - local news talent pipeline program - Minnesota News Media Institute - grant - workforce development fund - paid internships - reporting - editing - media design - Minnesota Broadcasters Association - Minnesota Newspaper Association - geographic distribution - digital news platforms - one-time appropriation - fiscal year 2027 - Minnesota newspapers - Minnesota television and radio broadcasters - administrative expenses - consulting with local news organizations