TVB (www.tvb.org), America’s local broadcast television industry trade association, today issued the following statement on Facebook’s announced changes to prioritize posts from high-quality local news sources based on its users’ desire for more local news and information about what’s happening in their local community.

“The actions taken by Facebook to prioritize local news publishers—including local television broadcasters— over national media was driven by direct feedback from its user base and the Company’s overall strategy to reduce false news and misinformation,” stated Steve Lanzano, TVB President and CEO. “Facebook’s commitment to feature more local news on its platform reaffirms broadcasters’ important role in serving as trusted, relied upon resources for essential community news and information. With a brand safe environment and greatest share of audience reach within a market, local television stations continue to be the leading provider of ROI-driven multiplatform marketing solutions for advertisers and we are pleased Facebook is recognizing the value of our member stations’ local news content.”

TVB noted the following key points from Facebook’s announcement to prioritize local news:

  • Facebook’s changes were driven by its users, who wanted the social media platform to prioritize posts from friends and high-quality news sources
  • Facebook is prioritizing local news because it views local publishers as high-quality, credible news sources that connect users to their local communities
  • Prioritizing local news is part of Facebook’s overall strategy to reduce false news, misinformation, clickbait and inauthentic accounts
  • Further highlighting the value of local content, Facebook is testing a dedicated section of its platform that connects people to local news and information in their community called Today In, with plans to expand the test to additional markets

Members of the media interested in speaking with Abby Auerbach, TVB Chief Communications Officer, about Facebook’s decision to feature more local news content on its platform may contact TVB media relations at tvb@jcir.com or 212-835-8500.

Facebook’s announcement can be read here.

About TVB

TVB is the not-for-profit trade association representing America’s $21 billion local broadcast television industry. For more information, visit www.tvb.org.