On Nov. 4, the board shot down a proposal that would have sought state permission for the county to stop advertising in newspapers, and rely instead on the Web and television to communicate with residents.
For years, Virginia law has required that localities advertise government events, like public hearings, in newspapers. But in early 2009, two bills were introduced in Virginia’s General Assembly that would have removed this requirement. Facing stiff opposition from the newspaper industry and from advocates of open government, both failed.
At their last meeting, county leaders had discussed asking Loudoun’s delegation of lawmakers to reintroduce the legislation. Reasons for the change were both financial and reach of audience.
In fiscal year 2009, Loudoun spent about $8,500 to advertise in papers like the Loudoun Times-Mirror. (The county does not advertise in the Independent.) A county report also cited newspapers’ declining circulations as further reason to do away with the requirement. “State law as not caught up with this new reality,” the report read.
However, a majority of supervisors said they opposed the measure, some explaining that most newspapers in Loudoun are free, while the Internet and television are not.
“If you are someone of very modest means and you like to keep up with what’s going on, the newspaper is free at the library,” said Supervisor Sally Kurtz (D-Catoctin). "You can go there and read it."
Lori Waters (R-Broad Run) and Stevens Miller (D-Dulles) were the only board members to support the measure.
“Everything is done by computer these days,” Miller explained. “No, not everyone has e-mail, but not everyone reads newspapers. We've got to get with the 21st Century.”
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