Many readers skim over the columns of public notices in small print at the back of newspapers. But these short items — which list public meetings, new ordinances, foreclosures, annexations or other actions by government agencies — often reveal vital information citizens wouldn’t have known otherwise.
These notices are required by law to be published in an official journal of record, and for decades that “official journal” has been your local newspaper. But increasingly, lawmakers across the country are seeking to cut local newspapers out of the business of providing public notices.
They argue that such notices can be published on the websites of state and local agencies to reach citizens just as effectively.
In Louisiana, this proposal has arrived in the form of House Bill 680 by Rep. Josh Carlson, R-Lafayette. Carlson’s bill would allow city and parish councils, school boards and other agencies in Louisiana to choose a website designated by the local clerk of court as its official journal. That would likely be a website controlled by the city, school board or other governmental agency.
We strongly oppose such legislation because it would not benefit the public. It is instead an attack on both the mission and business model of newspapers across the state. Political leaders facing criticism from a free press often seek to limit reporters’ ability to do their jobs. We recently decried proposed changes to Louisiana's public records laws for just this reason. This new effort, though it may seem innocuous, would have significant adverse effects.
First, let’s look at our mission. We believe having public notices in the newspaper means our large audience of engaged citizens has direct knowledge of when meetings occur and what’s on the agenda. The public can be assured of the information’s accuracy and availability because it is published in print as well as online, and it is not altered in any way after publication. That it is published by an independent third party provides a guarantee that public agencies report what the law requires. Public notices in this newspaper and others are also available via the searchable website louisianapublicnotice.com. This proposal would have the public hunting through various agency websites to find notices of sex offenders in their area, unclaimed property or other matters of importance.
Second, it would decimate the business of many local newspapers. Government agencies pay to publish these notices, and newspapers rely on that revenue to support their reporting. While this newspaper certainly would not be immune to the loss, we know it would hit particularly hard in small and rural communities, where local newspapers are disappearing.
All of this highlights a disturbing trend of public officials attacking the media, then using their power to close off information to the public. They should realize that chipping away at governmental transparency ultimately shows why newspapers are needed now more than ever.