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HB 1119

Procurement - Advertising - Local News Organizations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Foley

Maryland bill requires state agencies to direct advertising spending toward local news organizations to support struggling community journalism outlets facing revenue decline.

Hearing 3/10 at 11:30 a.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1119

Legislative bill overview

HB 1119 would require Maryland state agencies to direct a portion of their advertising spending toward local news organizations. The bill aims to support local journalism by making government procurement contracts include preferences or mandates for advertising placements in community newspapers and local media outlets.

Why is this important

Local news organizations have faced significant financial pressure as advertising revenue has migrated to digital platforms, leading to newsroom closures and reduced local coverage. By directing state advertising spending toward local outlets, the bill seeks to provide a revenue stream to sustain local journalism while potentially improving government communication with residents in their communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: State agencies may argue that directing advertising to local news could cost more than digital alternatives or create inefficiencies in reaching target audiences
  • Fairness and competition concerns: Requirement to use local outlets could disadvantage some qualified media vendors and raise questions about defining which outlets qualify as "local"
  • Effectiveness debate: Stakeholders may disagree on whether government advertising spending is an appropriate or effective tool for subsidizing news organizations versus direct public funding models

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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