Episode 17: Dean Baker interviews Katie Wilson, Executive Director of the Transit Riders Union and Seattle mayoral candidate, about her “News Notes” proposal—a voucher system that would give residents around $100 in public credits to support local media outlets of their choice. Wilson explains how this democratic funding model, similar to Seattle’s existing Democracy Vouchers for political campaigns, would provide an alternative to billionaire-funded journalism by allowing citizens rather than government to directly allocate public media support. The discussion covers the mechanics of implementation, comparisons to existing programs, and the broader goal of strengthening local journalism through community-driven funding.

About Katie Wilson

Katie Wilson is the co-founder and executive director of the Transit Riders Union (TRU), a democratic membership organization that has become a powerful voice for working people across Seattle and King County. Since founding TRU in 2011, Katie has led the organization for well over a decade, directing hundreds of thousands of volunteer and staff hours toward winning successful campaigns for better transit, higher wages, stronger renter protections, and more affordable housing.

More about Katie’s Campaign (this is not an endorsement)