Vermont Governor Phil Scott Prioritizes Local Media Ad Spending Over Big Tech
Vermont's Republican Governor, Phil Scott, has issued an order directing state agencies to prioritize advertising expenditures with Vermont-based media outlets instead of large technology companies. This policy is part of a broader movement across several U.S. states to support local news organizations, which have faced significant financial challenges and a decline in journalistic staff. The initiative aims to channel state advertising dollars, which often go to major tech platforms, back into local economies and media ecosystems. This move by Governor Scott is one of several First Amendment-friendly policies adopted by nine states to bolster local journalism. Other states, such as New Mexico, California, and Washington, are implementing community news fellowship programs with government support, placing journalists in local newsrooms. Illinois has also seen success with an employment credit program benefiting smaller media outlets in rural areas. These diverse approaches reflect a growing recognition of ...
