PA HB2047

Creates the Local News Fellowship Program to place early-career journalists at nonprofit and independent community-based newsrooms throughout Pennsylvania, with the Governor designating an administering institution within 90 days of enactment

Prioritizes fellowship placements in communities with significant civic information needs, including rural areas, communities of color, and immigrant populations

Requires host newsrooms to be Pennsylvania-based nonprofits or independent media organizations that produce original local reporting and can provide editorial oversight and mentorship to fellows

Mandates annual reporting to the Governor and General Assembly on fellow placements, demographic data, retention outcomes, and program impact on local news access

Protects editorial independence by prohibiting the state or administering institution from directing, controlling, or influencing the editorial decisions of fellows or host newsrooms