In a column written for members of America's Newspapers, Dennis Hetzel urges readers to join the bipartisan effort to pass HR 7640, which now has 37 cosponsors. Hetzel, a consultant, freelance journalist and author of two political thrillers, is a former lobbyist who wants to see Congress throw "a much-needed lifetime to community journalism and local businesses."

"As a lobbyist," Hetzel writes, "a major part of my job was to help politicians understand that whatever gripes they had with the national media — many of which I share — that was noise and not what we were about. Unlike Don Lemon or Tucker Carlson, local journalists aren’t driven by who’s up or down in the polls or purposely framing stories to satisfy an agenda. They’re just trying to report the news."

Read the full editorial from Dennis Hetzel more

As newspapers work to cope with a story that everyone wants to end sooner than later, Dennis Hetzel offers some story tips, best ideas for using your digital platforms (beyond just taking down the paywall), and thoughts on what staff members need from their leadership. more