§ 12100.161

(a) The California Civic Media Program is hereby established under the administration of the office in the advancement of the following goals:

(1) Enhancing the public good through supporting a robust and dynamic California press corps and reinforcing the vital role of journalism in our democracy.

(2) Empowering Californians by fostering greater understanding of and access to information about their communities and governmental structures.

(3) Ensuring the sustainability of existing and new online publications with an emphasis on community-facing journalism.

(4) Supporting California-based state and local news organizations, particularly those serving underserved and underrepresented communities.

(5) Strengthening journalism that facilitates social integration, promotes civic engagement, and addresses inequalities among underserved communities.

(b) (1) The director shall establish and appoint a nine-person advisory board, consisting of the following members:

(A) Two at-large members.

(B) Two members representing the California News Publishers Association, or a successor entity.

(C) One member representing the American Community Media, or a successor entity.

(D) One member representing the Local Independent Online News Publishers, or a successor entity.

(E) One member representing the Latino Media Collaborative, or a successor entity.

(F) One member representing the California Black Media, or a successor entity.

(G) One member representing the Media Guild of the West, or a successor entity.

(2) Each entity described in subparagraphs (B) to (G), inclusive, of paragraph (1) may recommend candidates to the director.

(Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 649, Sec. 1. (SB 155) Effective October 11, 2025.)