The government is proposing $50 M dollars over five years to go to one or more independent, non-governmental organizations who will spur on local journalism in underserved communities.

The budget also plans to explore new funding models that would allow private giving and philanthropic support to go to local media outlets.

This step will enable media organizations to receive charitable status. However, there are still a lot of areas that are unclear.

Local journalists, Jeff Samsonow and Duff Jamison share their reactions on the proposed funding.