Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to support local news organizations by requiring Minnesota state agencies to direct a significant portion of their advertising budgets toward these local entities.

Main Provisions

• Advertising Requirement: From July 1, 2025, state agencies must allocate at least 50% of their advertising expenses to local news organizations. The emphasis is on utilizing local newspapers wherever possible.
• Advertising Definition: Advertising includes any activity meant to induce participation in a service offered by a state agency or inform the public about an agency program or campaign.
• Local News Organizations Defined: Eligible entities include print, digital, hybrid publications, and broadcast or radio stations that primarily serve Minnesota or local communities within, use content from primary sources, and have journalists based in Minnesota.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Currently, there is no requirement for the proportion of agency advertising that must go to local news sources. This bill introduces a mandate that explicitly supports local news organizations by ensuring they receive a substantial share of state advertising budgets.
• Reporting Requirement: By February 1, 2026, state agencies must annually report advertising spending, highlighting the total spent on local news organizations and newspapers. These reports must be accessible on agency websites and submitted to relevant legislative committees.

Relevant Terms

• State agency
• Local news organizations
• Advertising expenditure
• Local newspapers
• Reporting requirements