The Los Angeles Press Club Friday announced the establishment of an emergency fund for Southern California journalists impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and/or the changing media landscape.
The fund is made possible through a grant from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
“The pandemic has greatly impacted our industry and we wanted to provide aid to fellow journalists in these difficult and uncertain times,” said HFPA President Lorenzo Soria, who did not reveal the grant amount.
The fund is immediately open for applications, recognizing the hardship currently put on journalists. Applicants do not need to be members of the Los Angeles Press Club nor HFPA but need to reside in Southern California. The application form is available on the L.A. Press Club website and the distribution of funds will start in April.
“So many of our colleagues are on the front lines covering the coronavirus pandemic trying to keep you — and themselves — safe,” said NBC4 anchor/reporter Robert Kovacik, the L.A. Press Club’s president emeritus who will head up its Emergency Fund Committee.
“Other journalists are reeling from the economic impact — pay cuts, reduced hours, loss of jobs and the realization some jobs may not be coming back soon,” Kovacik said. “We are very grateful to our friends at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association who reached out to us with the willingness to help journalists who may be struggling during this difficult time.”
The L.A. Press Club is hoping to make the fund permanent. All donations are fully tax-deductible.
The 8-Ball Welfare Foundation also helps Southern California journalists and photojournalists in need.
The Los Angeles-based nonprofit provides grants to broadcast, online and print journalists who are currently working or have recently worked in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties and are having a hard time covering food, rent, medical and other essential expenses.
More information is available on the foundation’s website at www.8ballfoundation.com .