Governor Phil Murphy has a chance to modernize how New Jersey’s towns and taxpayers communicate by signing a bill that eliminates the outdated requirement for government entities to publish public notices in newspapers. This reform is long overdue, and here’s why it’s a no-brainer.
First, newspaper circulation is plummeting. The days of families gathering around the Sunday paper are gone. Print readership has been in freefall for years, with many local papers reduced to thin pamphlets or shuttered entirely. Expecting residents to comb through shrinking classified sections for public notices is unrealistic when most people don’t even subscribe. The audience for these notices simply isn’t there.
Second, the internet is where people get their news. Whether it’s social media, local news sites, or government portals, New Jerseyans are online, not flipping pages. Towns already maintain websites and digital platforms to share information. Posting notices there ensures broader access, instant updates, and no paywall—unlike many newspapers that charge for online subscriptions or limit free views.
Third, allowing municipalities to publish notices on their own websites cuts out the middleman. Why should taxpayers foot the bill for third-party newspapers when towns can handle this directly? These ads are often priced at premium rates, burdening local budgets for no real benefit. Shifting to digital notices saves money and empowers towns to control their own messaging, ensuring clarity and accessibility.
Finally, let’s call public notice ads what they are: taxpayer-funded life support for a struggling newspaper industry. For too long, this mandate has propped up failing papers, forcing towns to subsidize a dying business model. While local journalism matters, it’s not the government’s job to bankroll it through an inefficient, outdated system. Newspapers must adapt to survive, not rely on handouts disguised as public service.
Governor Murphy, signing this bill is a win for taxpayers, transparency, and common sense. It’s time to drag public notices into the 21st century. Let towns post online, save money, and reach residents where they actually are. The ink is drying on print’s relevance—let’s act like it.
