Newspaper Preservation Act United States [1970] Written by Genelle I. Belmas Contributor to SAGE Publications's The SAGE Encyclopedia of Journalism (2022) whose work appears in Britannica as part of a joint publishing agreement with SAGE. Genelle I. Belmas Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Apr. 22, 2026 •History The Newspaper Preservation Act of 1970 was passed to allow antitrust exemptions for newspapers in the same geographic region with agreements to share business and operating expenses while maintaining separate news and editorial functions. Known as joint operating agreements, or JOAs, these were intended to connect a “failing” newspaper with a stronger one. In theory, these agreements permit competition in a newspaper market by saving the weaker paper. In practice, some critics argue, JOAs permit...

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