WASHINGTON – In the face of declining ad sales that have led to the closure of several newpapers  and the firing of thousands of employees from newsrooms around the country, Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) has scheduled hearings next week on the future of the newspaper industry.

“The hearings by the Senate Commerce Committee, beginning April 30, are the latest effort in the nation’s capital to help out newspapers,” Boston.com reported today, adding that Senator Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland had introduced a bill last month that would enable newspaper companies to restructure as nonprofits.

Cardin, a Democrat, penned an opinion piece today reiterating his commitment to help an institution he believes is essential to the country.

“Like Jefferson, I believe that a well-informed public is the core of our democracy,” he said. “For that reason, I have introduced The Newspaper Revitalization Act, to help our disappearing community and metropolitan papers by allowing them to become non-profit organizations.

“My bill would allow newspapers – if they choose – to operate under 501(c)(3) status for educational purposes, similar to public broadcasting. Under this arrangement, newspapers would not be allowed to make political endorsements, but would be allowed to freely report on all issues, including political campaigns. Advertising and subscription revenue would be tax exempt and contributions to support coverage or operations could be tax deductible.”

Kerry, a Massachussetts Democrat, was spurred to action after reports surfaced that The New York Times Co. threatened to shut down the Boston Globe if deep concessions were not made by the unions.