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THE WASHINGTON NEWSPAPER March 2016

Hire the Hit Squad!

Page 5

Journal of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association

Maxim leaves Sound for job in Southeast

WNPA LEGISLATIVE DAY

Nelson assumes presidency of WNPA in wake of departure Lori Maxim, vice president of Sound Publishing and publisher of the company’s newspapers in Kitsap County, is leaving the company to become director of revenue for Morris Multimedia.

Maxim will be based in Gainesville, Georgia.

Maxim made the announcement Maxim to Sound employees on Feb. 22. Her last day with Sound Publishing will be March 18. She will join Morris on April 4, but will make regular visits home to Poulsbo.

Maxim will leave her position as president of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association. WNPA’s first vice president Don Nelson of the Methow Valley News will assume the president’s position as Maxim departs.

As director of revenue, Maxim will lead print and online marketing and sales for Morris, which publishes daily

newspapers, non-daily newspapers, arts and entertainment publications, and shoppers in several states.

“While I am thrilled at this new career opportunity and exciting adventure of seeing a different part of the country, I am very sad to leave my family, staff, friends and business associates behind,” Maxim said. “We plan to maintain our residence in Poulsbo and my husband Glen and son Sean will remain in the area.

I will be making regular trips home to visit family.”

When Maxim joined Sound Publishing, the company had three newspapers on Whidbey Island. Today, the company has 49 publications in Washington, among them the (Everett) Daily Herald, the Peninsula Daily News and the (Aberdeen) Daily World. Sound Publishing is the largest community media organization in Washington with a combined print circulation of 661,072 and 2.3 million unique visitors online.

Sound employs more than 600 people in 36 locations around See MAXIM, Page 3

WNPA legislative reporting interns Izumi Hansen and LaVendrick Smith meet Gov. Jay Inslee at the Governor’s Mansion following a day of briefings and meetings with legislators. See their essays on their experiences on Page 3.

Members hear Olympia update

By Paul Archipley The Washington State Legislature is nearing the end of the second session of its two-year cycle – a 60-day term informally called the “short session.”

But it is long on issues of importance to the newspaper industry, ranging from bills that could limit access to public records, to newspapers’ use of drones, to an increase in penalties for violating the Open Public Meetings Act. Those issues and more were discussed at the 2016 Legislative Day on Feb. 11 in Olympia.

Hosted by Allied Daily Newspapers and the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, the annual session for publishers and other

newspaper representatives featured a parade of public officials who discussed this year’s legislative efforts.

Coincidentally, the action inside committee hearings and on the floor of the House and Senate was enlivened by outside events, including the Senate’s rejection days earlier of Gov. Jay Inslee’s 2013 appointment of Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson, and the resignations of Washington Corrections Secretary Dan Pacholke in the wake of the early-release scandal, and of GOP Rep. Graham Hunt of Orting following charges that he exaggerated his military service.

Rowland Thompson, Allied’s executive direc-

See OLYMPIA, Page 4

Gateway picks up prestigious award from McClatchy

The Peninsula Gateway was one of 10 McClatchy Company publications to earn a President’s Award in the specialty publications and community news division, an annual competition honoring the best content at McClatchy’s non-daily publications.

The Gateway was recognized for its “high-impact” investigation into the background of Peninsula School District board candidate Garth Jackson.

Reporter Karen Miller started hearing about his sketchy record, and petitioned the administration for records that Jackson tried unsuccessfully to block. The story and follow-up editorial by Tyler Hemstreet told of odd statements he made and refusals to follow lesson plans that disqualified him from future employment. Not long after, voters rejected him for the board.

Winners included examples

of exceptional investigative and feature journalism from small community newsrooms across McClatchy. This year, the awards also recognized a number of successful websites and magazines produced by the company’s editorial, advertising and niche publishing divisions.

“These awards recognize the breadth and depth of the content we’re producing in all kinds of publications,” Pat Talamantes, McClatchy’s president and CEO said in a release. “We are very proud to honor this important and inspiring work.”

The Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Established 1887

Officers: Lori Maxim, President; Don Nelson, First Vice President; Sandy Stokes, Second Vice President; Keven Graves, Past President. Trustees: Sara Bruestle, Eric LaFontaine, Donna Etchey, Scott Hunter, Michael Wagar, LuAnn Morgan and Jill FitzSimmons.

Staff: Marcia Van Dyke, Executive Director; C.J. Burk, Assistant Director.

THE WASHINGTON NEWSPAPER is the offical publication of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association.

It is published monthly by WNPA, 1204 Fourth Ave. East, Suite 4, Olympia, WA 98506.

Marcia Van Dyke: Executive Director: 360-515-5239.

Email: mvandyke@wnpa.com CJ Burk: Accounting and Advertising 360-515-0974.

Email: cj@wnpa.com. Fax: 360-515-5546 2 The Washington Newspaper March 2016

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Some last words and a fond farewell

By Lori Maxim Tourism season is upon us, so it’s the perfect opportunity to promote your communities’ special events throughout the state by advertising with the WNPA 2x2 program. Get

this team working for you!

So much has changed in the past 28 years since I joined Sound Publishing, Inc. and became involved in WNPA. Newspaper production went from paste-up to digital; Craigslist gobbled up our classified ads; we started selling specialty magazines; and we began pubyour sales lishing online. It’s been an era team fired up of steady change and growth, to earn some but that is what makes our extra cash by industry so exciting and fun.

Maxim participating Readership of our core products in the 2x2 Sales Contest! Ask is strong; our expansion into your chamber, visitors bureau or mobile and online has attracted downtown association to purchase younger, affluent readers. a statewide ad to promote their To remain relevant to event. It will reap great returns! advertisers and readers, we Want to improve reader enneed continue to evolve as an gagement with your print prod- industry, constantly reinventuct? Who ya gonna call? The ing ourselves. The same holds Hit Squad, of course! Have your true for your association. We newspaper evaluated by three are in the throes of creating an professionals with more than 50 agency that will better serve the years’ combined editorial expe- needs of our members. But the rience — for only $50! This is a only way to ensure its success is deal you can’t afford to pass up! to roll up your sleeves and get Contact Marcia VanDkye to get involved.

I am sad to inform all of you that I will be leaving the WNPA board and Sound Publishing later this month. I am excited to start the next journey of my career with Morris Multimedia in Gainesville, Georgia. My tenure as president and as a board member has been filled with great experiences and opportunities. I’m proud to have been an active member of WNPA and to have been fortunate enough to work in an industry full of bright, talented individuals.

I owe a great deal of gratitude to so many people for mentoring me over the years.

I will greatly miss my family at Sound and my friends in the industry. I wish you all the best of success!

You can find me after April 4 at lmaxim@morrismultimedia.com Lori Maxim is Vice President of West Sound Newspaper Operations for Sound Publishing and is this year’s WNPA President.

WCOG calls for Bunting Award entries The Washington Coalition for Open Government is now accepting submissions for the Second Annual Kenneth F. Bunting Award in journalism. Named for the late Seattle PostIntelligencer Associate Publisher and WCOG Founding Board member, Ken Bunting, the award honors exceptional journalism that supports and demonstrates the importance of open government and transparency.

A team of reporters with The Seattle Times received the first annual Bunting award last year for their work on “Loaded with Lead,” a series which made extensive use of the state’s public records act to expose the fact that high levels of lead exist at gun ranges in the state and elsewhere. It was among several submissions of excellent journalism that were about or made use of the state’s open meetings/public records laws to provide the public with information on everything ranging from an outbreak of infection at a local hospital to extensive coverage of transparency issues at the Seattle Police Department.

There are many ways for journalism to support and demonstrate the importance of open government laws, including; stories that could not have

been written without use of the Public Records Act, Open Public Meetings Act or other open government laws. Stories that expressly mention the use of the state transparency laws, stories about how government openness serves the public interest, stories that aggressively use open government laws to gain access to public records and meetings, stories about government withholding information the public has a right to, stories that demonstrate persistence, stories on legal action or journalists who pursue legal action against government agencies that try to withhold public information are eligible for submission.

To be eligible, the work submitted must be substantially about Washington State and published during the time period of June 1, 2015 to June 1, 2016. The award can go to either the journalist, a team of reporters or organization, but preferably to named individuals. Entrants can download the Bunting Award Nomination Form at www.washingtocog.org.

The deadline for submissions is May 31.

Entries will be judged by legal experts and media professionals who sit on the WCOG Board of Directors.

MAXIM: Worked for Sound Publishing for 28 years Continued from Page 1

the Puget Sound region and eastern Washington.

During her tenure with Sound, she created the national sales team; helped launch the Bremerton Patriot and the Federal Way Mirror; helped facilitate the acquisition of the Kingston Community News; and negotiated the contracts to publish Crosswind, Trident Tides and Northwest Navigator for the military.

“So many wonderful people have touched my life over the past 28 years in Kitsap County,” she said. “I will always cherish and remember those friendships. I owe this community heartfelt thanks for supporting and encouraging me. This community has a special place in my heart.”

Maxim, a native of Bellevue, earned a bachelor’s degree in business/marketing at Seattle University and completed

additional management and leadership studies at Fraser Valley College, The Learning Institute, and Thompson Rivers University.

Maxim worked for Sound Publishing for 28 years. She was advertising manager from 1986-88 of Metro Valley Newspaper Group in Abbotsford, B.C., then joined Sound as publisher of the Bainbridge Island Review and the North Kitsap Herald.

She served as regional

publisher and director of national sales and advertising until 2000, when she became vice president of Sound Publishing.

Of the company’s growth, she said, “Our publications — print and online — are influential in their communities and we enjoy strong relationships with our readers and our business communities. We’re pretty solid.”

“Lori is a good friend and has been such an integral part

of Sound Publishing it’s quite hard to see her go,” Sound Publishing President Gloria Fletcher said.

“Her passionate leadership and positive attitude will be sorely missed. To say her proverbial shoes will be hard to fill is a gross understatement but yet she has built a tremendous team of professionals in Kitsap County who will continue to build and serve their readers quite well.”

LEGISLATIVE INTERNS REFLECT

Legislative Day major highlight

Intern position ‘eye-opening’

By LaVendrick Smith cover from last year’s deadly wildfires, WNPA Olympia News Bureau on developments in the state’s mariRecently I had the opportunity to juana industry, and on how commuters sit alongside Gov. Jay Inslee, Washdeal with the new, pesky Interstate 405 ington state Supreme Court justices, toll lanes. and many editors of daily and weekly Working with WNPA, a “wire newspapers from across the state. It service” for more than 100 of the was a great opportunity that state’s newspapers, has been a allowed Izumi Hansen, my unique experience compared counterpart in the WNPA to my experience working Olympia News Bureau, and with a single daily newspaper I to get to know governlast year. Both are equally ment officials away from the important roles.

Capitol.

Throughout this second The dinner took place in the term at the Legislature, I’ve governor’s mansion, and over been reminded of the imporSmith laughs and bites of bread pudtance of my role as a reporter, ding, we had a casual glimpse and am reassured of why I want to inside the mind of Inslee as he dealt with pursue a career in journalism. key issues of the state, including hanThrough this year’s experience I’ve dling the firing of the head of the state’s been able to reach people in portions transportation department and the need of the state I didn’t even know existed, to fund education. and write about issues that affected Dinner with the governor, other people in places I’ve never been. The government officials, and media greatest part about the experience is members has been a major highlight that it has shown me that journalism of my second stint as an intern report- matters and is important to people in ing on the state Legislature. all communities throughout the state.

Last year, as a junior at the UniWhether it’s a huge daily newspaversity of Washington, I reported for per reporting on a major, diverse city, the Tacoma News Tribune. I enjoyed or a local weekly community newsreporting at the Legislature so much paper, citizens enjoy having access that I decided to return this year to to knowledge of what is happening report on the 2016 legislative session. in their state government community.

In my second year as a reporter in It’s something that I believe to be a our state capital, this time with WNPA, citizen’s right, and I’m happy to have I’ve written on a diverse range of issues had the opportunity to help contribute including how the Department of Natu- to that this year with WNPA memral Resources and the state plan to rebers.

By Izumi Hansen He also talked about the discovery of WNPA Olympia News Bureau gravitational waves and explained the A few weeks back, we WNPA Olympia laser system at the facility where data was News Bureau reporters were able to attend collected was located in Hanford, Washthe 2016 Legislative Day. While I only at- ington. As a dual astronomy-journalism tended the last parts of the day, it put a few major, it was nice to hear him mention this things into perspective accomplishment.

Attending a reception with the Reporting on this legislative Supreme Court justices, I had the session and seeing the legislative opportunity to speak with editors process first hand has been eyeand reporters from around the opening. It’s very easy to make state, some of whom are part of assumptions about politicians and WNPA. And the justices were the political process, which I had certainly open in their conversamade before reporting on this sestions with us. sion. Now I see that “politician” Throughout this legislative means a difficult job with difficult Hansen session I have tried to remind decisions having a real impact on myself of the people I write for. people. For me, the experience folI’m in Olympia for the benefit of readlowing the legislators’ plan to resolve Mcers. The editors and publishers, however, Cleary, which will affect a million school are more in tune with their community children when finally settled with the than I ever could be, so being able to court, is what makes government reporting meet people who truly understand their exciting, as many of you may know. local communities was a reminder for me So far, the session has been a huge that actions in the Legislature have large, learning curve. The basic aspects of govmeaningful effects across the state. ernment, such as the process a bill must go After the reception, we went to the through before becoming a law, along with Governor’s “mansion” for dinner. We larger topics like the McCleary decision, is were able to explore the first floor and a complex process. Andrea Otanez, Frank again talk with others attending the event. Garred, and Dave Workman as editors Examining the historic items and books on have, thankfully, eased the process. display was quite exciting.

So far, I’ve learned that studying Following dinner, Gov. Jay Inslee government is one thing, but witnessing spoke to the attendees about innovation it is very different. While sometimes the in different sectors of the economy and political process is boring, it still matters McCleary, restating how “imperative” it is and demands attention and understanding. to complete the plan to resolve the state’s I’m excited to finish off the session with dilemma to fully fund basic education substantial and relevant articles for our programs by 2017, among other topics. newspapers.

The Washington Newspaper March 2016 3

OLYMPIA: Members briefed on legislation, education, patrol Continued from Page 1

tor and a valued advocate for WNPA interests, said he spends much of his time during the annual legislative sessions batting down efforts that could hurt newspaper interests.

Bills to limit access to public records, for example, are the result of legislators responding to pleas from government agencies that are inundated with requests, often from abusers of the system.

However, too often the proposed solution, opponents warn, can be worse than the problem.

“It’s reactionary around here,” Allied’s Thompson said. “This place runs on

anecdote.”

Rep. Nealy said about 1,500 bills were dropped this session; about 10 percent of those might pass, he said.

Also addressing journalists this year were several agency heads, most of whom were hoping their requests for needed funds would be among the handful of bills that pass muster.

Among them was John Batiste, chief of the Washington State Patrol. His agency is bleeding troopers, some from retirement, but many who are moving to higher paying jobs with local law enforcement agencies. With a normal level of about 600 com-

missioned staff, the State Patrol is down nearly 200 troopers.

“I don’t blame them,” Chief Batiste said. He said troopers today have to deal with a broad range of issues, including mental health, constraints imposed by the courts, stricter training and certification requirements, and more.

“It’s a very stressful environment,” he said.

“It’s hard to get young people who want to do this work.”

Of course, funding for education was also a major topic. Ken Kanikeberg, chief of staff for Randy Dorn at the Office of the Superintendent of

Let’s grow your digital revenue!

Public Instruction, said his boss was disappointed that the Legislature has continued to “kick the can,” even in the wake of a Washington State Supreme Court decision finding it in contempt for failing to adequately fund public education.

Kanikeberg said he expected the Legislature to act on charter schools this session, but other funding needs like teacher and classroom shortages likely won’t be addressed until future sessions.

Those and other issues continue to be covered for newspapers by the WNPA Foundation-funded Olympia News Bureau program. Two University of Washington seniors, LaVendrick Smith and Izumi Hansen, joined this year’s session along with their mentor, Coordinating Editor and former WNPA President Frank Garred.

They have been dropping stories regularly, making it easy for editors to localize issues for their readers.

Gov. Jay Inslee poses with Laura Guido, an intern with Grant County’s Sun-Tribune Feb. 16 on two freedom of The day wrapped up speech cases, one involvwith a reception hosted ing the right of panhanby Chief Justice Barbara Madsen, followed by din- dlers to seek handouts at ner with Gov. Inslee at the freeway ramps, another involving court orders that Governor’s Mansion. juveniles write letters of While they don’t usuapology. ally discuss specifics beBy dinnertime, the fore Supreme Court cases governor mostly enjoyed a are resolved, discussions with various justices at the pass; editors and publishreception uncovered some ers were worn out following a long day of questioncases that newspapers ing legislators and agency might want to follow and localize. For example, oral heads. Besides, the wine arguments were scheduled had begun to flow.

Have a legal question?

Call the WNPA hotline WNPA members can call the hotline five times a year for:

Realize new revenue this winter with our 5-day Focused Sales Event! You keep 88% of all revenue sold.

“I have open weeks this spring - call me!”

Digital Training & Sales Trish Kinney • 406-334-3625 • www.digitalsalescoach.com

• Pre-publication emergency review of a story, letter or advertisement.

• Analysis of a demand letter or some other challenge to something that has already been published.

Michele

Earl Hubbard Call (206) 801-7510 or email michele@alliedlawgroup.com The Washington Newspaper March 2016 4

New squad for hire to critique newspapers

By Sara Bruestle The Beacon A “groovy” squad of journalists is now available for hire to examine the quality of Washington’s community newspapers.

The Hit Squad, inspired by the hippie TV show “The Mod Squad,” is comprised of three Washington Newspaper Publishers Association trustees who together offer more than 50 years of journalism experience and fresh sets of eyes to member and non-member newspapers looking to improve.

Eric LaFontaine, Sara Bruestle and Michael Wagar, who serve on the WNPA’s Editorial & Journalism Education Committee, have teamed up to offer their constructive criticism of a newspaper’s print and web products, as well as its social media presence.

“The Hit Squad will burst into your journalism efforts and offer solid, reasonable and groovy

suggestions for upgrades,” said Wagar, who is the squad leader.

“We’ll take a deep look at your newspaper, your Bruestle website and social media practices and give you a thoughtful examination of everything from use of photos, writing and reporting skills and digital advertising, to the best cyberspace practices.”

“The Mod Squad,” which ran from 1968-1973, followed the lives of three hip undercover cops – Peter “Pete” Cochran, Julie Barnes and Lincoln “Linc” Hayes – who fight crime in Southern California.

Instead of fighting crime, the WNPA squad will examine newspapers and websites on the

5 The Washington Newspaper March 2016

Wagar

La Fontaine

whole, looking at the overall quality of coverage, connection to the community, writing, editing, headlines, photography, layout, design, typography, advertising and more. If members “dig it,” or if they don’t, they’ll let staff know why and offer solutions.

The squad’s mission is to provide staffers with in-depth feedback – in written and verbal reports – to help them “keep the faith” and make improvements to the overall journalistic quality of their work, in print and online.

MEET THE HIT SQUAD Eric LaFontaine (aka Pete) is the publisher of the Sun Tribune. He has worked in journalism for 14 years, including 10 years as a publisher.

In addition to a strong editorial and photography background, LaFontaine has been at the tip of the spear of the newspaper digital revolution.

Sara Bruestle (aka Julie) is the editor of the Mukilteo Beacon and chair of the WNPA’s Membership & Bylaws Committee. She has been a journalist for 11 years, including six at The Beacon.

Bruestle, who has been a copy editor as long as she has been a reporter, has a sharp eye for great photography, layout and design. She has won eight WNPA awards.

Michael Wagar (aka Linc) is the publisher of the Nisqually Valley News, regional executive

editor for Lafromboise Communications Inc., and chair of the WNPA’s Editorial & Journalism Education Committee. He has won several Blethen awards as a reporter and an editor.

After first reporting for 10 years, Wagar has been leading newsrooms for the past two decades, and has jump-started several weekly and daily papers.

Want to hire The Hit Squad?

The cost is $50 for WNPA members; $100 for non-members.

All proceeds go toward WNPA operations.

Mail three copies of one complete issue of a specified date to: Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, 1204 Fourth Ave. East, Suite 4, Olympia WA 98506.

Provide a newspaper website (url link) and any login and password, if required.

Call WNPA Executive Director Marcia Van Dyke at 360515-5239 for more information.

WNPA JOB BOARD SPORTS REPORTER The North County Outlook is looking for a part-time Sports Reporter to cover high school sports in north Snohomish County. Prior sports writing experience preferred. Photography skills also preferred. Must be available for evening and weekend assignments. Send a brief cover letter, resume and clips to North County Outlook, Attn. Editor, P.O. Box 39, Marysville, WA 98720.

PRODUCTION MANAGER Our family-owned newspaper company is seeking an experienced Production Manager for our central printing and packaging operation in Pendleton, Oregon.

This is a hands-on leadership role.

You will train and inspire the press manager and the packaging staff in our five-day (Monday through Friday) operation. You will work collaboratively with publishers, managers and staff to produce high-quality publications in a timely and profitable manner. You will need mechanical skills to assist the staff in getting the best performance from the equipment. If you have the ability to make commercial sales, that is a bonus.

Operating a Tensor/Goss web press running three wide, we can produce 18 broadsheet pages of high-quality process color. Our mailroom operates both a 10:1 Mueller and 12:2 SLS inserter.

EO Media Group is a private, multimedia company with 11 newspapers throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Pendleton is located in sunny Northeast Oregon, close to the Columbia River, the Blue Mountains and home to the world famous Pendleton Round-Up rodeo.

Benefits include 401(k)/Roth 401(k), insurances and paid time off (PTO).

Send resume and cover letter stating salary requirements to: EO Media Group, PO Box 2048, Salem, OR 97308-2048, or fax to (503) 371-2935 or email hr@ eomediagroup.com SOCIAL MEDIA CONTRACTOR Sound Media, a division of Sound Publishing Inc., is seeking a contractor to lead its social media and marketing communications. Requires someone who is passionate about Social Age Technologies and understands the cross channel campaign strategies offered by an innovative, 21st century consultative marketing team.

Among many other things, this person will be responsible for: -Developing enterprise-level online and offline marketing communications plans and executable strategies, to be delivered and managed across multiple channels written for unique target audiences.

– Developing content and copy appropriate for press releases, online channels (web, digital), and marketing campaign messaging.

Formulating customizable marketing communications solutions for each unique client through a thorough needsassessment, ensuring recommended campaign strategies and related tactics meet or exceed client expectations.

– Position may require a bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area, or an equivalent combination of education and practical experience.

This is an independently contracted position and is paid as outlined in the contract. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to careers@soundpublishing.com, please include Attn: SocMediaCon in the subject line.

Check out our website to find out more about us! www.soundpublishing. com and www.soundmediabds.com REPORTER The Kirkland Reporter, a division of Sound Publishing Inc. is seeking a general assignment reporter with writing experience and photography skills. This position is based out of the Kirkland office. The primary coverage will be city government, business, sports, general assignment stories; and may include arts coverage. Schedule includes evening and/or weekend work.

Candidates must have excellent communication and organizational skills, and be able to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment. Previous newspaper experience is required, as is a proficiency with AP style, pagination and digital imaging using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop software.

We offer a competitive hourly wage and benefits package including health insurance, paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays), and 401K (currently with an employer match.)

Email us your cover letter, resume, and include five examples of your best work showcasing your reporting skills and writing chops to: careers@soundpublishing.com, Attn: HR/BKR.

6 The Washington Newspaper March 2016

Gary DeVon of the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune took first place for Group 1 in the Color Feature Photo category in the 2015 Better Newspaper Contest for this photo of a fire department drill.

“What were you thinking?”

If you are not audited by CVC you’re missing out on additional data that can increase revenue in 2016. View the new expanded 30 question survey template at research.net/r/cvc2016. For a CVC information package & discounted WNPA price quote call (800) 262-6392, or email tbingaman@cvcaudit.com.

OUR DATA SPEAKS VOLUMES

Bill would clear air on pot ads, postal rules Washington, D.C. – Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley joined with Reps.

Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici today to introduce a bill that would allow publications in Oregon and other states where marijuana is legal to mail their publications containing written advertising for the product.

The Marijuana Advertising in Legal States (MAILS) Act would reverse the outdated declaration by the U.S. Postal Service in December 2015 that prohibited the mailing of newspapers with ads offering to buy or sell marijuana, even if the marijuana-related ad complies with state law.

Although federal officials have said that no newspaper will be penalized for mailing editions that contain marijuana advertising, this bill updates postal regulations that are still on the books and in conflict with the laws in Washington, Oregon and Colorado.

“Federal agencies must respect the decisions made by lawabiding Oregonians and small business owners in the state,” Wyden said.

“Our bill updates the federal approach to marijuana, ending the threat to news pub-

lications that choose to accept advertising from legal marijuana businesses in Oregon and other states where voters also have freely decided to legalize marijuana.”

“Oregon voters have made it clear that they support marijuana legalization, but in area after area, federal regulation makes it difficult for legitimate marijuana businesses to operate. It’s time the federal government starts updating its rules and regulations in states where marijuana is now legal,” said Merkley. “This is common sense legislation to ensure that the U.S. Postal Service treats marijuana advertising like any other regulated product.”

“Regardless of how you feel about our failed prohibition of marijuana, every American should agree that the U.S. Postal Service should not be censoring what is or is not published in newspapers,” said Blumenauer.

“This USPS policy is outdated and ignores reforms happening in Oregon and across the country. The federal government must stay out of the way of these state legalization efforts.”

Other co-sponsors of the bill are Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Rep. Dana Rohrbacher (R-Calif.).

7 The Washington Newspaper March 2016