Digital communication for local government is becoming increasingly urgent as local newspapers shutter across Massachusetts and nationwide. As Boston-based journalist Jon Chesto recently reported, local papers are closing at an alarming rate, leaving towns with limited options to communicate with residents.
This poses a serious challenge. Under current state law, many government legal notices must appear in a print newspaper. With several municipalities losing their primary outlets, officials are scrambling to find alternative publications to meet outdated statutory requirements. Today, the reality is clear: communication laws have not kept pace with how residents actually consume information.
A potential solution? Updating legal notice laws and finding new options for municipalities to spread their news. Businesses, non-profits, and universities now use digital channels to notify clients, donors, and students of recent news. Local laws should follow this example, helping towns and municipalities find the best ways to legally alert residents about meetings, applications, announcements, and more.
Massachusetts State Representative Ken Gordon stated on Twitter that he is working to update the definition of newspapers. He wants the definition to include more modern options. To support his efforts, we should explore how digital channels—like social media, Google Ads, and other platforms—can help keep communities informed in their towns and regions.