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Caroline County debates flexibility on newspaper of record; publishers urge preserving local journalism
Summary
County commissioners and state delegates discussed a proposed change to allow alternate media outlets for official public notices; two publishers spoke during public comment urging caution and offering local solutions.
Caroline County commissioners and members of the legislative delegation discussed a proposed request to allow broader use of media outlets for public notices rather than relying solely on the traditional county paper of record.
Commissioners said residents may not subscribe to the current paper of record and asked for flexibility to publish notices in free or digital channels that residents are more likely to see. The proposal would not immediately change the county’s paper of record but would ask the legislature for authority to allow alternative outlets.
During public comment, Erastus Baez, regional president for Adams Publishing, which operates the county’s star newspaper insert and related publications, urged caution. Baez said Adams Publishing and other newspapers already participate in free public‑notice channels and emphasized the company’s local investments and staff presence. He warned that changing the legal definition statewide could undermine local newspapers’ business models.
Debbie Bowden, owner and publisher of carolinereview.news, said her digital publication was launched to provide free local news access and said she would be willing to supply public notices if the county allowed alternative outlets to serve as the paper of record. Both speakers asked to remain part of conversations about how best to provide notice to residents.
Why it matters: statutory requirements for public notice affect how residents learn about government actions and how counties allocate advertising dollars. Commissioners said they want options that reach more residents and reduce costs; publishers cautioned that changes must be crafted to preserve local journalism and archiving of notices.
Next steps: one delegate said he would meet with a press‑lobbyist next week and explore whether the request should be pursued as a Caroline‑only measure or as a statewide bill. Commissioners asked publishers to provide circulation and reach information to inform a legislative decision.
