Maryland Senator Ben Cardin has introduced legislation that would allow struggling newspapers to become non-profits - THIS IS A GOOD IDEA!

---Heard on the Chris Plante Show 630 AM, WMAL on Weds., March 25th.

(Washington, DC) -- Maryland Senator Ben Cardin has introduced legislation that would allow struggling newspapers to become non-profits. Cardin's office says the "Newspaper Revitalization Act" would allow newspapers to operate as non-profit businesses under 501(c)(3) status for educational purposes, similar to public broadcasting. Under the proposal, newspapers would not be allowed to make political endorsements, but would be allowed to freely report on all issues, including political campaigns. Advertising and subscription revenue would be tax exempt and contributions to support coverage or operations could be tax-deductible. Cardin's office says the measure is targeted to preserve local newspapers serving communities and not large newspaper conglomerates.

(Copyright © 2009 Metro Networks Communications Inc., A Westwood One Company) 3/24/2009 2:44PM