There’s state legislation brewing that would force the largest internet platforms — like Google — to kick in money to help save journalism. These platforms are the principal villains, after all, in the downfall of so many news outlets. It’s not only newspapers that are in perilous decline. It’s much of news reporting — for print, broadcast and even digital.
Key lawmakers have agreed to pass something this summer, but haven’t decided what. They’re trying to weave together legislation that would attain a difficult two-thirds legislative vote, be acceptable to the big platforms and gain Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature. The governor has been mum. The quartet are Wicks, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Tom Umberg , new Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire and Sen. Steve Glazer , the author of a second journalism rescue bill.