Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to support local news organizations in Minnesota by mandating that state agencies direct a portion of their advertising budgets to these local media outlets.

Main Provisions

• Advertising Expenditure Requirement: From July 1, 2025, state agencies are required to allocate at least 50% of their advertising expenses to local news organizations. This includes traditional print, digital, and hybrid publications, as well as broadcast radio stations.
• Exclusion: Advertising efforts that primarily target out-of-state residents are not required to adhere to this allocation rule.
• Reporting Obligations: Starting February 1, 2026, state agencies must annually report on their advertising expenditures, indicating the total spending, percentage allocated to local news organizations, local newspapers, and the specific recipients of these funds. These reports are to be published on the agencies' websites and delivered to relevant legislative committees.

Significant Changes

• Support for Local Media: This law implements a structural change by redirecting significant state advertising funds to bolster local media, which includes local newspapers and broadcast outlets. This prioritization aims to strengthen the financial sustainability of these local entities.

Relevant Terms

local news organizations, state agency advertising, Minnesota, local newspapers, advertising expenditure, state government operations, out-of-state advertising, annual reporting