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Lobbying & Government Relations
Lobbying is one of the most important roles for ONA in
serving as the trade association for Ohio’s daily and weekly
newspapers. This means tracking all legislation in the Ohio General
Assembly that may affect newspapers and the newspaper business. The
issues include advertising, public records and open meetings,
taxation, telemarketing, legal notices, labor & employment law
and newsprint recycling.
“In the course of a two-year legislative session
that may mean monitoring 900 or more bills as they are introduced,
focusing on 40 to 50 that may impact some part of the newspaper
operation,” says Frank Deaner, ONA executive director, who
serves as lobbyist for the association.
Deaner also maintains contact with the Ohio delegation
in Congress. On federal issues, ONA cooperates with the Newspaper
Association of America (NAA) and the National Newspaper Association
(NNA) in presenting newspaper industry positions.
ONA is assisted by a team of attorneys from the law
firm of Baker & Hostetler. These include experts in media law and
all areas of newspaper management. On specific legislative matters,
Deaner also maintains relationships with additional attorneys from
member newspapers as well as lobbyists from other state associations.
The ONA board of trustees receives monthly updates on
legislation and establishes association positions in consultation
with Deaner. Bulletin articles, legislative reports issued three
times a year and special alerts detailing specific bills are
distributed to ONA member executives. Pertinent items are also posted
on the ONA Website.
Deaner coordinates contacts made by newspaper
executives with specific legislators. He also maintains regular
contacts in the Statehouse--visiting legislators, monitoring
hearings, distributing position papers and often presenting testimony
for ONA. He also maintains contact with the governor and key
personnel on the governor’s staff.
Through its Columbus office, ONA staff also serve as
industry liaison to various state agencies. These include the Office
of Attorney General, Ohio Dept. of Taxation, Ohio Environmental
Protection Agency, Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources and Ohio Dept. of Insurance.
“The key to effective government relations is
ongoing contact by member newspaper executives, forwarding ONA
positions on issues of concern,” says Deaner. “ONA has been
a leader among state associations in coordinating such efforts successfully.”
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