To Strengthen Local Journalism, California Launches $20 Million Civic Media Program; Appoints Diverse Advisory Board

February 17, 2026

California's Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development has launched the Civic Media Program, a $20 million grant initiative split equally between state funding and Google contributions, aimed at reviving struggling local journalism throughout the state. The program responds to a dramatic collapse in American local news, with over 3,200 newspapers closing since 2005 and closures continuing at roughly two per week, creating widespread "news deserts" where communities lack credible information sources. A diverse advisory board has been appointed to guide the program's development, while the James B.

Who is affected

Local journalism outlets and newsrooms across California
Communities living in "news deserts" (over 210 U.S. counties without local news, and more than 1,500 counties with only one outlet)
Tens of millions of Americans with limited access to community reporting
Immigrants, Latinos, and communities of color
California residents seeking trusted local information
The advisory board members appointed to steer the initiative
Grant applicants in the competitive proposal process

What action is being taken

GO-Biz has launched the Civic Media Program
A diverse advisory board has been appointed to steer the effort
The James B. McClatchy Foundation has been selected as the third-party administrator
The advisory board will hold public meetings throughout the year to provide recommendations on program design and implementation
The Foundation is preparing to craft program guidelines in conjunction with GO-Biz and the advisory board

Why it matters

Local journalism serves as a democratic safeguard and constitutional freedom that holds government accountable and functions as a check and balance on the system. The collapse of local news has diminished civic engagement and left tens of millions of Americans without access to trusted, community-based information needed to fully participate in public life. The program represents an important acknowledgment by California that the news ecosystem requires intervention, and it signals a potential model for how state government, philanthropy, and the private sector can collaborate to rebuild sustainable media infrastructure. For California specifically, as the most diverse state in the nation, ensuring equitable news access for immigrants and communities of color is critical to democratic participation.

What's next

Public meetings will be held throughout the year by the advisory board (to be announced on the Civic Media Program webpage)
The James B. McClatchy Foundation will craft overarching program guidelines in conjunction with GO-Biz and the advisory board
A competitive request-for-proposals process will be launched
The Foundation will independently process and score all grant applications ahead of final awards
Regional partnerships and collaboration with community foundations statewide will be established

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint