Facebook announced Monday the company was changing its algorithms so more local media sources appeared on users' news feeds, winning praise from groups representing TV broadcasters and media outlets.

In a statement, Facebook said: "We identify local publishers as those whose links are clicked on by readers in a tight geographic area. If a story is from a publisher in your area, and you either follow the publisher's page or your friend shares a story from that outlet, it might show up higher in News Feed."

The Television Bureau of Advertising—an association representing the local broadcast TV industry—responded to the announcement by saying it reaffirmed "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 (return on investment)-driven multiplatform marketing solutions for advertisers and we are pleased Facebook is recognizing the value of our member stations' local news content," TVB CEO Steve Lanzano said. http://bit.ly/2DSXW5P

The decision also was welcomed by the News Media Alliance, with represents newspapers and digital media outlets. CEO David Chavern said his group has long argued Facebook should embrace local news as a means of fighting "fake news."

"Facebook seems to have embraced the basic idea, which is wonderful," Chaven said. "What we don't know is how the proposed system to identify trusted news sources will really work. We will be watching that very closely as the changes are rolled out." http://bit.ly/2DWk3Mz

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