Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to support local news organizations in Minnesota by directing state government advertising spend towards them. It intends to ensure that these organizations receive a significant portion of advertising budgets from state agencies.

Main Provisions

• Advertising Definition: The bill defines "advertising" as any communication intended to inform the public or promote state services and programs.

• Agencies Affected: All executive branch entities of the state government, excluding the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, must comply with this bill.

• Local News Organizations: The bill establishes criteria for what qualifies as a local news organization. These include primarily serving Minnesota communities, deriving content from original sources, employing at least one in-state journalist, and maintaining a Minnesota-based office with a public contact listed.

• Advertising Expenditure Requirement: Starting July 1, 2025, at least 50% of a state agency's advertising expenditure must be made through local news organizations. The bill emphasizes using local newspapers when feasible. Advertisements aimed primarily at out-of-state audiences are exempt from this requirement.

Reporting Requirements

• Annual Report: By February 1, 2026, and every year thereafter, each state agency must publish and publicly post an annual report that includes:

  • Total advertising expenditure.
  • Percentage of spending on local news organizations.
  • Percentage of spending on local newspapers.
  • Recipients of the advertising funds.

• Publication and Delivery: These reports should be available on the agency’s website and sent to the relevant legislative committees.

Relevant Terms

local news organizations, advertising expenditures, state agencies, executive branch, local newspapers, Minnesota journalism, annual reporting