Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to support local news organizations in Minnesota by ensuring state government advertising spending contributes significantly to these entities.

Main Provisions

• Advertising Requirement: Starting July 1, 2025, state agencies are required to spend at least 50% of their advertising budgets on local news organizations. The focus should primarily be on local newspapers.

• Definition of Local News Organizations: A local news organization includes print, digital, or hybrid publications, as well as broadcast or radio stations, that primarily serve Minnesota communities. These organizations must have local journalism practices, including Minnesota-based journalists and offices.

• Exclusion: Advertising efforts aimed mainly at out-of-state audiences are not mandated to follow this local spending requirement.

Reporting Obligations

• Annual Reporting Mandate: By February 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, each state agency must release a report detailing:

  • Total advertising expenditures.
  • Percentage of the ad budget spent through local news organizations.
  • Percentage spent specifically on local newspapers.
  • A list of advertising spending recipients.

• These reports should be made publicly accessible on agency websites and submitted to relevant legislative committees.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces a new requirement for state agency advertising expenditures, prioritizing local news outlets and enhancing transparency through annual public reporting.

Relevant Terms

state agency, local news organization, advertising expenditures, Minnesota journalism, annual reporting, local newspapers, state government advertising.