Bill > SB180

This bill aims to prohibit state and local government agencies from contracting with media monitoring organizations that rate or rank news sources based on their perceived accuracy, bias, or adherence to journalistic standards. The bill defines a media monitoring organization as a company that evaluates news services for factual accuracy or provides ratings based on misinformation, bias, or journalistic ethics. Specifically, agencies are forbidden from entering into contracts with such organizations, working with advertising agencies that use their services, or providing support to them. The bill requires companies bidding for marketing services to certify that they do not work with media monitoring organizations, and existing contractors must provide similar certifications before contract renewals or modifications. The legislation does not prevent agencies from aggregating news articles or receiving analytical information about advertisement performance. Importantly, the bill excludes organizations that simply track media audience size or compile press clippings from these restrictions. The provisions will take effect on October 1, 2025, giving agencies and companies time to adjust their practices to comply with the new law.

Government Affairs

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search