Thanks to Diana C.
By Brier Dudley – Seattle Times Free Press editor
Helping save local journalism in Washington state is a priority for Attorney General Bob Ferguson.
That’s partly why he joined eight other state attorneys general and the U.S. Department of Justice in an epic antitrust case, alleging that Google monopolizes online advertising technology.
It’s also why Ferguson joined state legislators in proposing a tax break to help newspapers sustain operations and preserve jobs. He backed Senate Bill 5199, which would give publishers a 10-year exemption from business and occupation taxes.
Of course this could help Ferguson pursue newspaper endorsements if he runs for governor, as expected, in 2024.
But like many lawyers, Ferguson appreciates the essential role of the press in a constitutional democracy. He worries that the state and nation are harmed by the erosion of local news coverage and trust in media.
“I’m deeply worried about where a significant part of our population is when it comes to trust with our media and what that lack of trust means for our government, our democracy, who we are as a people,” he said. “I’m really concerned.”