OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., (The Oklahoma Post) –
House Bill 2166 is quietly working its way through the Oklahoma legislature—and on the surface, it appears to be just another cleanup bill. It’s presented as a bit of legislative housekeeping intended to clarify which newspapers are eligible to publish legal notices. But, like many political maneuvers, scratching beneath the surface reveals something far more complex.
What HB2166 Proposes
HB2166 would codify a two-tiered system: “Periodical Permit Newspapers” and “Non-periodical Permit Newspapers.” Both categories must meet new criteria to qualify for publishing legal notices, such as court filings, probate notifications, foreclosures, and public hearings. While it might seem mundane, these legal notices are often the only official public record citizens have regarding significant civic matters.
Under HB2166’s proposed criteria, eligible newspapers must:
- Have paid subscriptions.
- Publish a minimum amount of local content.
- Maintain a physical presence in their county.
- Publish notices online, both on their own websites and a centralized state-run platform.
- Be independently owned and not subject to government control or public funding.
Who’s Behind HB2166?
The primary authors of HB2166 are Representative John Pfeiffer (R-District 38) and Senator Bill Coleman (R-District 10). Both have experience addressing media and government transparency legislation. Representative Pfeiffer has previously sponsored bills aimed at improving public access to governmental processes. Senator Coleman, having a professional background in broadcasting, has consistently shown interest in media policy and its implications for the state.
Impact on Oklahoma Newspapers
Here’s where the issue grows more nuanced. Major publications in Oklahoma—such as CNHI-owned papers like The Enid News & Eagle, The Norman Transcript, and The Ada News—are owned by large, out-of-state corporate entities. CNHI is headquartered in Alabama. The Oklahoman, another major state newspaper, falls under the ownership of Gannett, a corporation based in Virginia. Similarly, The Tulsa World operates under Iowa-based Lee Enterprises.
Given HB2166’s focus on independent local ownership, one might question if these large, legacy corporate-owned newspapers would even meet the new standards. Conversely, the bill could inadvertently grant an advantage to these established publications, allowing them to leverage corporate resources to meet the technical thresholds. Meanwhile, smaller, independent outlets and startup newspapers might struggle.
Case in Point: The Davis News
Consider The Davis News, a weekly newspaper in Davis, Oklahoma, owned by Thompson Times, LLC, and edited by Alisha Thompson. Founded in 1894, the paper is a respected local institution with a strong community voice. However, under HB2166, smaller community-focused publications like The Davis News could face challenges meeting new, stricter requirements—potentially jeopardizing their role in publishing legal notices, a significant revenue source vital to maintaining their operations.
Case in Point: The Ponca City News
Consider The Ponca City News, a daily newspaper serving Ponca City, Oklahoma, and surrounding areas. Founded in 1919, it has long been a primary source of local news and information for the community. Currently owned by Kay County Media LLC, the paper maintains a circulation of approximately 4,300. Under HB2166, publications like The Ponca City News may face challenges in meeting new criteria, such as maintaining a physical presence in the county and providing significant local content. These requirements could impact their ability to publish legal notices, a vital revenue source that supports their operations and commitment to local journalism.
Case in Point: Ellis County Star
In Ellis County, The Ellis County Star serves as the sole locally owned and county-wide focused newspaper. Based in Arnett, Oklahoma, it provides comprehensive coverage of local news and events. With the implementation of HB2166, smaller publications like The Ellis County Star might encounter difficulties in meeting the new standards, potentially affecting their eligibility to publish legal notices. This could have significant financial implications, as revenue from legal notices is crucial for sustaining their operations and continuing to serve the local community.
Existing Law and HB2166’s Changes
Currently, Oklahoma law already stipulates certain requirements for newspapers publishing legal notices, including standards for circulation, publication frequency, and length of publication history. HB2166 aims to standardize and clarify these regulations further, addressing existing ambiguities in the law. Yet, critics argue these clarifications might unintentionally favor newspapers with substantial corporate backing over truly local and independently operated papers.
Unequal Footing for Smaller Newspapers
The recent ownership proposal for the Tulsa World—with influential local investors stepping in—highlights a stark contrast in resources compared to smaller publications. The recent announcement that Lee Enterprises, the parent company of the Tulsa World, received a purchase proposal from billionaire David Hoffmann underscores the vast disparity between corporate-backed publications and smaller community newspapers. Hoffmann, chairman of the Hoffmann Family of Companies, seeks to merge Lee’s newspapers with his existing publications to form the second-largest newspaper company in the United States, behind only Gannett.
While such an offer signals a promising financial lifeline for the Tulsa World, smaller newspapers like The Davis News, The Ponca City News, and The Ellis County Star do not have billion-dollar safety nets or influential investors to ensure their continued operation. As HB2166 raises the stakes, these small, locally owned papers face a heightened risk of being edged out—without the luxury of corporate muscle or financial rescue—potentially silencing crucial local voices across rural Oklahoma.
Transparency or Protectionism?
Legal notices must be handled responsibly, ensuring public accessibility, permanence, and accountability. But who defines what is “responsible”? Is the criterion subscriber count, corporate resources—or genuine journalistic integrity and local presence?
For a state as fiercely independent as Oklahoma, HB2166 raises important questions about who controls critical public narratives. Is this bill about enhancing transparency or subtly enacting protectionism? Does it ensure that vital civic information reaches the public, or does it inadvertently restrict access and opportunity?
(Writing by Paul Skeenz; Editing by Robbie Robertson)
By The People’s Popular Paper | Sunshine Week Special Report
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