Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
LA Comedy Theaters Use Paycheck Protection Bailout To Get Low-Cost Loans
Onstage at a classic New York Del Close Marathon. (Francine Daveta, courtesy UCB)
()
The federal government's Paycheck Protection Program's stated intention was to help small businesses keep people on staff through loans that would be forgiven if those companies used at least 60% of the money on payroll. But many businesses have used the opportunity to take government money as low-cost loans instead, including L.A. comedy theaters like the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, which received between $350,000 and $1 million for its L.A. theater/training center and a similar amount for its New York City location.
The NYC theater closed shortly after UCB was approved for that loan, while L.A.'s theater didn't hire back its staff. The list of who received PPP loans was released last week, and it included comedy outlets like UCB, the Groundlings, the Comedy Store, the Laugh Factory, and Flappers in Burbank.
The news didn't go over well online, with numerous people going after UCB on social media, including former performers, staff, and more. This follows ongoing financial issues at UCB, as well as complaints of systemic racism and inequality within the organization that prompted UCB to announce the formation of a diverse board taking over management of the theater's operations, as well as the theater looking to become a nonprofit.
READ THE FULL STORY:
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our nonprofit public service journalism: Donate now.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist