NATIONAL BRIEFING / WASHINGTON, D.C.
Struggling newspapers should be allowed to operate as nonprofits similar to public broadcasting stations, Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) proposed.
Cardin’s bill would allow newspapers to choose tax-exempt status. They would no longer be able to make political endorsements, but could report on all issues including political campaigns.
Advertising and subscription revenue would be tax-exempt, and contributions to support coverage could be tax deductible.
Cardin said in a statement that the bill aimed to preserve local newspapers, not large newspaper conglomerates.
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