Susan Livio

On Aug 24, Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) signed a law that aims to fill the local news void in New Jersey by creating the Civic Information Consortium, a grant-making organization led by a group of universities that would fund media start-ups. Supporters have said this is the first endeavor of its kind in the nation. But Gov Murphy's signing statement raised doubt about how much money they state immediately could dedicate to the cause.

Gov Phil Murphy (D-NJ) is approving a landmark bill that would create a new fund to bolster local news coverage, to help fill the void created by the steady economic decline of the media industry. Five universities would lead the Civic Information Consortium and with a board of directors decide which local news start-ups it would fund through a grant. Supporters say would be the first endeavor of its kind in the nation.