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THE SENATE |
S.R. NO. |
46 |
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TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE RESOLUTION
urging statewide news media and members of the press to increase coverage of state and local governmental issues.
WHEREAS, active participation by an informed electorate is essential to the preservation of democracy; and
WHEREAS, according to data reported by the United States Census Bureau, voter participation in Hawaii is among the lowest in the nation, reaching its lowest point in 2004 when Hawaii had the lowest participation rate in the nation; and
WHEREAS, according to the Pacific Business News, Hawaii's voter turnout rate for the 2008 general election was 65.9 per cent, representing a decrease in electoral participation since the prior presidential election year; and
WHEREAS, a robust and active local news media plays an important role in informing citizens about the workings of their government; and
WHEREAS, according to a recent study by the University of Delaware, news media consolidation over the last decade has resulted in decreased coverage of local news; and
WHEREAS, television stations and newspapers in this State have laid off experienced staff, including reporters, editors, and producers, over the past year and have either not hired replacements or have hired replacements with little to no experience, thus negatively impacting the stations' and newspapers' ability to produce high-quality news reporting; and
WHEREAS, many of the local issues that face reduced coverage involve state and local governmental matters; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Hawaii deserve the opportunity to become informed about their state and local governments so that they can fully participate in the political process; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, that members of the press, including reporters, writers, editors, and support staff of television, radio, print, and electronic media are encouraged to make free, fair, and thorough coverage of state and local government issues a priority in their work; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that management and ownership interests of Hawaii's media outlets are encouraged to provide balanced, accurate, and comprehensive coverage of state and local government and policy issues to ensure an informed and engaged citizenry; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor of the State of Hawaii, the Mayors of the respective counties, the presiding officer of each county council, and major media outlets throughout the State of Hawaii.
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OFFERED BY: |
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Media; State Government; Local Government