Problem-Plagued Oregon Journalism Bill Fails to Pass the State Senate

SALEM, OR — On Tuesday, the Oregon Journalism Protection Act (SB 686) failed to pass the state Senate on a 15–14 vote. In April, Free Press Action testified that the legislation fell well short of its ambition to help support local-news production. 

SB 686 is loosely modeled after legislation that failed to pass through California’s statehouse in 2024 — which would have required online platform companies like Google and Meta to pay in-state news providers through an arbitration process. Under the Oregon bill, platforms could either enter into negotiations with publishers for payment, or pay into a central fund. Ninety percent of the fund would be distributed to outlets based on headcount, meaning out-of-state media giants like Gannett and Sinclair would have emerged as some of the biggest winners. Just 10 percent, meanwhile, was to be set aside for a new Oregon Civic Information Consortium, which would distribute grants to local outlets based on the most pressing community-information needs. 

When similar legislation passed in Canada, Meta blocked all news links, cutting off a key source of traffic and revenue for smaller independent publishers. The move broadened the gap between large outlets and smaller newsrooms, reduced public access to credible news, and worsened the spread of misinformation online.

Mike Rispoli, Free Press Action’s senior director of journalism and civic information, said:

“While we were encouraged by Oregon’s efforts to incorporate the Civic Information Consortium model as part of SB 686, this legally questionable bill would prioritize large, conglomerate-owned companies over the information needs of Oregonians and the interests of independent local-media outlets focused on serving their communities.

“Free Press Action was not alone in expressing these concerns. Small independent publishers with strong local roots have been vocal about how SB 686 would harm their newsrooms. This bill would make it harder for Oregonians to access quality, trustworthy information and would enrich the same national media companies that are decimating local independent journalism. It’s encouraging that lawmakers are pressing pause on this well-intended but flawed policy proposal. We believe that lawmakers should move away from this approach and design journalism policy that centers the needs of the public and the newsrooms that represent, engage, and serve communities. 

“Oregon’s ailing local-news landscape mirrors national trends: Large profitable corporate entities are expanding their hold over local-news markets. As lawmakers reconsider SB 686, we urge them to prioritize local independent community newsrooms, small publishers, nonprofits and ethnic media outlets. These outlets are best equipped to meet communities’ needs, yet are left to struggle over a meager pool of resources. Legislation should correct this imbalance and chart a sustainable future for our news ecosystem.

“Any local-news bill should start with a core question: How can lawmakers address the most pressing community-information gaps and support struggling newsroom workers? Public policy should be tailored to the public good. There are ways to alter SB 686 that put community needs first and center independent community publishers. The creation of an Oregon Civic Information Consortium, which would distribute funding more equitably and to the outlets that need it most, should be a central component of the legislation and not an afterthought. 

“Today’s vote provides a chance for the legislature to pursue a different framework. Lawmakers can start by building off the strongest component of the bill — the creation of an Oregon Civic Information Consortium — and exploring other revenue streams that are legally cleaner and avoid harming smaller publishers. Such consortiums are strong, proven models for supporting informed communities and ensuring that public dollars serve the public good. 

”We’re encouraged that Oregon lawmakers are taking a serious look at funding local news, and are eager to continue working with them to craft legislation that supports news and civic information for all of the people of Oregon.”