A recent sale of eight Illinois newspapers by Better Newspapers Inc. to Kentucky-based Paxton Media Group is now testing a new state law designed to promote local ownership of media outlets. The Strengthening Community Media Act, effective January 1, mandates a 120-day notice period for potential local buyers to make competing offers. However, employees and county officials in affected areas claim they received no such notification, raising questions about the law’s enforcement and effectiveness.
Key Takeaways
- A new Illinois law aims to keep newspapers local by requiring a 120-day notice period before sales, allowing time for competing local bids.
- Employees and county clerks of the recently sold newspapers state they were not given the legally required notice.
- The law lacks explicit enforcement mechanisms, leaving its practical impact uncertain.
- Paxton Media Group’s previous acquisition in Illinois led to layoffs, sparking concerns about the future of the newly acquired papers.
The Strengthening Community Media Act
The Strengthening Community Media Act was enacted as part of a legislative effort to support local journalism and combat the rise of news deserts. The law requires media companies to notify the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, local county governments, company employees, and interested Illinois nonprofits about a pending sale. This notice period is intended to provide an opportunity for local stakeholders to step in with a competing offer.
Alleged Lack of Notice
Despite the law’s provisions, several county clerks and employees of the affected newspapers reported learning about the sale only when it was publicly announced. This lack of prior notification from Better Newspapers Inc. suggests a potential non-compliance with the 120-day notice requirement. The specific newspapers involved in the sale include The Morning Sentinel, Union Banner, Washington County News, Greenville Advocate, Salem Times-Commoner, The Breeze Courier, Robinson Daily News, and The Daily Record.
Enforcement Challenges
A significant challenge facing the new law is its absence of clear enforcement mechanisms or penalties for noncompliance. This has led to discussions about potential legal action or government investigation to determine how the law can be enforced and how any breaches can be remedied. While the Illinois Attorney General’s office has deferred questions to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the DCEO has not yet responded to inquiries. State Senator Steve Stadelman, the law’s sponsor, acknowledged the need for further discussion to ensure compliance, potentially through future legislative amendments that establish enforcement protocols and incentives.
Concerns Over Future Ownership
Paxton Media Group, the buyer, has a history that raises concerns. The company was involved in a previous acquisition of The Southern Illinoisan in Carbondale, which resulted in the layoff of all newsroom employees. This precedent has fueled worries that the eight Illinois newspapers recently sold may face similar cutbacks, impacting local news coverage. Senator Stadelman emphasized that while the law doesn’t aim to block out-of-state or larger companies from purchasing newspapers, it seeks to ensure local communities have a fair chance to retain local ownership, which he believes leads to more committed and relevant local news coverage.
