Governor Signs Executive Order Prioritizing Local Media in State Advertising
The order follows a 75% decline in local journalists per capita since 2002 and aims to help small news organizations stay afloat.
- On Thursday, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed an executive order directing state agencies to prioritize local print, digital, radio, and television media when purchasing advertising whenever feasible and in the state's best interests.
- The Vermont Journalism Coalition, representing over 40 organizations including the Brattleboro Reformer and VTDigger, advocated for the policy to sustain the state's approximately 50 remaining local media outlets amid steep industry decline.
- Chief Communications Officer Rebecca Kelley noted the state typically spends about $4 million to $5 million annually on non-tourism advertising; the order mandates departments track and report annually on these expenditures.
- While a similar legislative measure passed the Vermont House last year but stalled in the Senate, this executive action bypasses new appropriations; Scott described the policy as a 'buy local' value aligning with local businesses.
- New York City passed a similar mandate in 2018, and the initiative aligns with ad-spending policies in Maryland and Colorado; Steve Waldman of Rebuild Local News hopes the order 'will light a fire in other states.
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Vermont to give local news priority for state advertising dollars
Gov. Phil Scott signed an executive order Thursday that gives preference to local news organizations when deciding where to invest state advertising dollars. Read the story on VTDigger here: Vermont to give local news priority for state advertising dollars.
Scott Says Vermont Will Prioritize Local Media When Purchasing Advertisements
Vermont will prioritize local media outlets when it considers where to spend millions of dollars in advertising revenue annually, Gov. Phil Scott announced Thursday. Scott signed an executive order instructing all state departments to give preference to local print, digital, radio and television stations “whenever feasible and in the best interests of the state” when buying ads. The order excludes tourism ads, which are largely focused on out-of…
Times Argus
Rutland HeraldGovernor signs executive order prioritizing local media in state advertising
MONTPELIER — Gov. Phil Scott signed an executive order Thursday instructing state agencies and departments to think about putting local media first when it comes to state advertising dollars.
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