A Letter to Readers

If you are reading this letter, chances are that you’re invested in the survival of this newspaper. Right now, this newspaper’s future—and your right to know—is at stake.

This looming threat comes in the form of HB 1399. Some in the Arkansas legislature, along with some of your local government officials, want to take legal advertising away from newspapers and place it on a third-party website. This would decrease government transparency in two ways. It would remove vital information from a trusted news source, and it would cripple many newspapers financially. If you’ve already read enough to contact your local legislator, here’s a link to that information now: www.arkleg.state.ar.us/legislators/list

But if you need more convincing, keep reading.

The publication of notices is a significant revenue stream for newspapers across Arkansas. HB 1399 would financially destroy newspapers that are some of the oldest and most respected businesses in our state. It would shutter newspapers that make your community a better place to live. It would effectively kill the watchdog that values the public’s right to know over everything else. For some government officials, this bill is in their best interest. No newspapers means no reporters to hold them accountable.

The reasons for this bill that have been offered by sponsors are weak. Make no mistake— a vote for this bill is a vote to wipe out local newspapers.

Contact legislators and ask them to oppose House Bill 1399. If you don’t, Arkansas will suffer the consequences now and for generations to come.

CITY, COUNTY & LOCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEES:

www.arkleg.state.ar.us/committees/detail?code=480&ddbienniumsession=2023%2f2023r

www.arkleg.state.ar.us/committees/detail?code=880&ddbienniumsession=2023%2f2023r