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Statewide coalition of Minnesota media outlets rallies for support at the Capitol

On Tuesday, the newly formed True North News Alliance rallied at the Capitol in St. Paul, urging lawmakers to support three legislative proposals aimed at revitalizing local news organizations in Minnesota.
Steve Grove, publisher and CEO of the Star Tribune, reported Minnesota has lost 35% of its newspapers and 65% of newspaper journalists in the last decade, with printing output dropping from 600,000 to about 65,000.
The rally focused on three 2026 session bills: SF4183/HF4072 would provide a $500,000 grant for a news talent pipeline, and SF2600/HF2609 would require half of state agency advertising spending directed to local news organizations.
Rep. Wayne Johnson, R-Cottage Grove, argued that "nothing replaces a true local newspaper," while Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, expressed openness to considering the alliance's proposals.
Since the Legislature is not in a budget-crafting year, the True North News Alliance is preparing larger proposals for the 2027 session, including payroll tax credits for hiring staff and civic information grant funds.

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