Local TV and radio stations ensure communities are informed and have a powerful voice to engage on important issues. Carrying the mantle of investigative journalism in local communities, broadcast journalists combat disinformation, protect consumers and fight corruption.

Honoring these crucial elements of journalism are the RTDNA’s National Edward R. Murrow Awards. Winners for overall excellence include CBS News Radio and NBC News, as well as local stations 9News in Denver, Colorado, and WGME CBS 13 in Portland, Maine.

KWCH 12 in Wichita, Kansas, won a Murrow award for their investigation into time theft in the City of Salina fire department, and Chicago’s CBS 2 investigated the police mishandling of a sexual assault case, resulting in two arrests. These stations are great examples of a free press holding government accountable.  Without local reporters, this important check disappears from our democracy.

But the overwhelming power of Big Tech gatekeepers is threatening Americans’ access to quality local journalism. The size of the platforms, such as Google and Facebook, dwarf local TV and radio stations. Not only do these tech giants pose major threats to advertising revenue, but they are gatekeepers of online content, exerting power over what internet users access and how advertisers reach them.

This week Congress is considering legislation that will allow broadcasters and other news publishers to negotiate with Big Tech about how their content can be shared online. Tell your legislators how much you value your local stations and ask them to stand up for listeners and viewers like you by supporting the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act.