Last week, Louisiana became the first state to pass a law that will eventually make newspaper websites the primary platform for public notice. HB-650 requires local governments to post their notices on official newspaper websites beginning in 2027. They’ll also be required to publish print notices describing the subject matter and location of the online notices, but — in a reversal of present custom — the print ads will be free and the online notices will be the ads they pay for.
HB-650 passed both houses unanimously and is expected to be signed by Gov. Jon Bel Edwards when it reaches his desk.
PNRC creates ads promoting public notice
PNRC has created a suite of print and web ads publicizing public notice. That’s one of the ads on the left.
The ad campaign promotes public notice advertising as vital local content that is available in newspapers and on newspaper websites.
The website aspect is crucial. While most readers are at least vaguely aware that government notices are published in newspapers, far fewer know they’re also posted on newspaper websites. The ad campaign, which includes banner ads and other formats suitable for the web or print, is designed to address that lack of awareness.