As the 2026 midterm elections approach, a press release from San Francisco-based media organizations highlights a growing concern: commercial local TV stations are increasingly prioritizing national content over local news. This shift, driven by the lifting of the FCC's ownership cap in 2026, has led companies like Gray, Scripps, Sinclair, and Nexstar to focus on national issues that generate higher profits, leaving many communities without adequate local coverage. The release argues that this trend undermines democracy by depriving voters of information about local races for mayor, city council, county executives, state legislatures, Congress, and governor.
The press release cites an op-ed by Dak Dillon, who questions the value of local stations airing national headlines that viewers have already seen elsewhere. "Running a national package or reading a wire rundown isn't a service to the audience in 2026. It's dead air with a local anchor's face on it," Dillon writes in his piece on NewscastStudio. The release contends that commercial broadcasters must satisfy both FCC Chairman Carr and investors, prioritizing profit over local service.
To fill this gap, the press release encourages readers to donate to nonprofit news organizations that provide in-depth local reporting. These outlets include statewide entities like CalMatters, regional newsrooms like Bay City News, and neighborhood-specific sites like Mission Local and Open Vallejo. Each organization focuses on issues that directly affect their communities, from police reform to housing affordability. The release warns that if news deserts can exist in a major city like San Francisco, smaller towns and suburbs are even more vulnerable.
Donations to these nonprofits are tax-deductible and help ensure reliable, nonpartisan journalism. The release also encourages sharing donation efforts on social media to raise awareness. By supporting local news, readers can help preserve democracy, free speech, and informed citizenship during a time of uncertainty. The press release provides direct links to donation pages for various organizations, including CalMatters, Bay City News, and Mission Local, among others.
The implications of this initiative extend beyond California. As commercial media consolidates and cuts local reporting, nonprofit newsrooms are becoming essential for holding power accountable and covering issues that matter most to communities. Without them, voters may lack the information needed to make informed decisions in the 2026 midterms and beyond.
