HB 1258 Missed an Opportunity to Level the Playing Field for Local News Outlets (Opinion)

In an era where the media landscape is increasingly dominated by large corporate entities, Maryland’s current laws inadvertently tip the scales in favor of major newspapers while leaving independent news outlets struggling for survival. This disparity is evident in the state’s approach to public notices, which mandates that they be published in traditional newspapers, often at exorbitant costs.

Take, for instance, a recent 71-line public notice regarding vacancies at the Frederick County Board of Health Liaisons. The estimated cost of placing this notice for two issues of a Western Maryland newspaper exceeded $300. In stark contrast, the ad revenue for us here at Radio Free Hub City, an independent news outlet, was a mere $350 for the entire year of 2023. This revenue barely covered hosting expenses, highlighting the financial strain faced by smaller media entities.

Maryland House Bill 1258, sponsored by Delegate Elizabeth Embry, aimed to address this issue. The bill proposed ending the requirement for public notices on estates to be published in newspapers statewide. Instead, it suggested these notices be published on a central website managed by the state’s registers of wills. This move would have significantly reduced the financial burden on local and state governments, as well as individual citizens, who often bear the brunt of these costs.

Despite the potential benefits, the bill faced significant opposition from established newspapers, which have consistently fought against similar measures. Following the legislative session, these groups launched a successful lobbying effort to secure Governor Moore’s veto of the bill. Rebecca Snyder, executive director of the Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association, defended the veto, stating that it underscored the importance of the news media’s watchdog role, including the public notice and public records functions that help hold government accountable.

While the watchdog function of the press is undeniably crucial, it is essential to recognize that the media landscape has evolved. Many traditional newspapers are no longer locally owned and are part of larger corporate conglomerates. These entities often prioritize profits over local news coverage, further diminishing the availability of local news. Meanwhile, independent outlets, which are more likely to focus on local issues, continue to face significant financial hurdles.

In his veto letter, Governor Moore acknowledged the financial burden that existing print public notice requirements impose on local and state governments, as well as individual citizens. He recognized the challenge Delegate Embry sought to address and admitted that the costs to estates are an important concern that needs to be dealt with.

Ensuring that local communities have access to news is imperative. However, in the current media environment marked by corporate mergers and acquisitions, it is equally important to level the playing field so that smaller, independent outlets can compete more effectively. These outlets play a vital role in providing local news coverage that larger entities may overlook.

One possible solution is to revisit and revise Maryland HB 1258, incorporating feedback from both traditional and independent media stakeholders to create a more balanced approach. Additionally, exploring alternative funding mechanisms, such as grants or subsidies for independent news outlets, could help ensure their sustainability and continued contribution to local journalism.

While the traditional newspapers’ role in maintaining public records and notices is important, Maryland’s laws should evolve to support a more equitable media landscape. By addressing the financial challenges faced by independent outlets, the state can foster a diverse and robust local news ecosystem that serves the interests of all its citizens.

Opinion article by Ken Buckler, President of Radio Free Hub City. His opinions are his own, and do not reflect those of our clients or sponsors. Radio Free Hub City is a locally owned, independent news and media company right here in Washington County, MD. Radio Free Hub City is not, and never has, been a member of Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association.