Newspapers protect public's right to know about government

Readers, stand ready to help newspapers in an expected battle over public notices and government's desire to keep you in the dark.

In the 2011 General Assembly, two bills would have removed or reduced publication of public notices by local and state governments.

One bill would have eliminated the requirement that localities publish notices in newspapers. The other would have offered alternatives to newspapers.

Both bills, thankfully, failed to become law. But according to the Virginia Press Association, sponsors signal they'll reintroduce the bills in 2012.

Virginia, that would be a wrong turn in the need for transparent government. Keeping the best informed taxpayers in the dark is a dumb action.

The newspapers that comprise the Virginia Press Association strongly maintain that government cannot — and should not — simply notify itself about important public meetings and requirements. Newspapers' missions are built on the ironclad fact that citizens have a right to know what their government is doing.

So, it'll come as no surprise the rallying call of newspapers and their readers is:

The best way to keep citizens informed is to publish notices in newspapers and on newspaper websites, which together attract the broadest spectrum of readers.

The threat to curtail disclosure is so urgent that VPA members are starting an information campaign for the first time well ahead of the assembly session. Public notices are a relatively small source of newspaper revenue. This campaign is much more a government-transparency issue than a business issue for newspapers.

Today's commentary is the first in a planned series, "Keep The Light On Public Notices."

Consider this sample of the opening headlines:

• If you don't want government controlling private life, why would you want it controlling public information?

• You have to search for public notices on government websites. Newspapers deliver public notices to you.

• Not all Virginians have access to government websites. But all Virginians have access to community newspapers.

• Take public notices out of newspapers and put them on websites only? Websites crash. Newspapers don't.

• Yes, Virginia, some people want to take public notices out of newspapers. They want to put public notices under government control.

You will see these and other eye-opening statements in upcoming informational ads. In the meantime, here's an initial overview from VPA on what's at stake:

What is public notice?

It is a formal announcement or warning that is legally required to be published as an advertisement in a paid-circulation newspaper. It helps citizens learn about plans and actions that will affect them and their community. Public notices may be published for a variety of reasons, including public meetings, zoning, requests for proposals, local government issues, elections, and business and licensing matters.

Why does government want to pull out of newspapers?

To save money. To go "paperless." To continue the myth that newspapers are no longer relevant.

What's wrong with the government trying to save money by cutting public notice advertisements in newspapers?

Nothing is wrong with government making the best use of taxpayer money or finding ways to save. The problem lies in giving the government control of the public-notice process. This will limit citizens' access to public information, so that they won't know what's being planned in their communities. It could result in the government hiding its actions from the general public.

How much do localities spend on public notices?

Estimates indicate only one-half of 1 percent of operating expenditures is spent on public notices, regardless of a locality's size. The costs of developing a secure website and posting notices would be far greater than the amounts most localities currently spend on public notices. Some localities in Virginia do not even have official websites, and many existing government websites do not offer extensive information or public access to documents.

Why are newspapers so passionate about public notices? Is it because of the money?

Public-notice advertising revenue for newspapers is minimal, compared to other sources of revenue, such as display and classified advertising and circulation. Newspapers care about public notices because they care about the public's right to know. Newspapers are independent, impartial sources of information that citizens can easily access. Newspapers are not under government control. Newspapers provide proof that an action was publicized by a public notice, and they publicize issues that affect citizens like you.

Wouldn't online publication of public notices allow more citizen access?

In addition to newspapers, online publication of public notices could be useful. Keep in mind, however, that websites and computer systems can crash; what happens if a website with public notices fails when you need that information? What happens if a website with public notices gets hacked? Technology is always changing, new systems can be expensive, and maintenance of websites requires considerable attention.

But don't most people get their news online, instead of from newspapers?

Significant population segments still do not use the Internet, according to surveys: 57 percent of adults over age 65, 52 percent of Hispanic-Americans and 49 percent of African-Americans. These citizens would be disenfranchised if public notices were posted only on the Internet. Various surveys also pinpoint high readership of newspapers. For example, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reaches more than 670,000 people in print and online, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations' March net combined audience. More than seven out of 10 U.S. adults, or nearly 166 million people, read a newspaper in print or online in the past week. By contrast, more than half of the U.S. population say they've never reviewed a local, state or federal website, according to the Public Notice Resource Center.

If public notices aren't advertised in my local newspaper, where will I find them?

You will have to locate your local government website and search for them. Good luck. Each government website has a different structure. In many cases, local newspaper websites are easier to find and navigate than local government websites.

Certain legislators want you to believe newspapers are old-school and out of step in the Internet age. Therefore, it's time to change.

OK, we're guilty of being traditional in print.

But if being the public watchdog is out of step with the public, then we're all in trouble.

Don't let them bail on newspapers. Be vocal. Bark like a watchdog.

Keep the Light on Public Notices.