For Immediate Release
March 16, 2026
Contact: Christine@imcamerica.com
West Virginia House Passes Bill to Ban Media Blacklists
First Amendment Preservation Act Stops Media Monitors Blocking Ads to Citizens
CHARLESTON, WV — The Independent Media Council (IMC) is applauding the West Virginia House of Delegates for passing the First Amendment Preservation Act (SB 531), legislation ensuring taxpayer dollars are used to protect free speech and stop ideological media blacklists. The measure has already been approved by the West Virginia Senate with overwhelming support and is now moving to the desk of Gov. Patrick Morrissey for signing.
SB 531 prohibits state agencies from using advertising agencies and marketing firms that use so-called “Media Monitors” or “Misinformation Monitors” to block advertising based on politically biased ratings. Leftwing organizations like NewsGuard and GDI have been using politically-skewed ratings to block conservative media from receiving advertising revenues.
“By approving the First Amendment Preservation Act, the West Virginia House has taken an important step to protect free speech and ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said IMC spokesperson Christine Czernejewski.
“Lawmakers in the Mountain State are making it clear that when taxpayer dollars are used for public outreach, they should inform all citizens—not just a narrow political audience.”
The IMC represents more than a dozen media organizations reaching over 75 million Americans regularly.
Czernejewski said she expects other states will join West Virginia and states like Florida that already have laws to protect free speech.
Restricting state advertising through ideological blacklists limits outreach to key audiences — including outdoor enthusiasts and rural communities — which are critical demographics for tourism campaigns and the local businesses that depend on them.
“This legislation helps ensure West Virginia’s tourism promotions and public outreach campaigns reach the audiences they are intended to serve,” Czernejewski added.
The IMC thanks State Senator Mike Azinger for taking the lead by sponsoring SB 531 and urges Governor Patrick Morrisey to sign it into law.
By advancing the First Amendment Preservation Act, West Virginia joins a growing national effort to stop taxpayer-funded censorship.
Florida has enacted similar restrictions, while Congress approved a provision prohibiting the Pentagon from contracting with advertising agencies that use media monitors. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission has emphasized safeguards against viewpoint discrimination in advertising markets and President Trump issued an executive order prohibiting federal coordination to suppress lawful speech.
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The Independent Media Council (IMC) is a non-profit group of conservative and independent media outlets and aligned organizations that stand for free speech and a free press. Members regularly reach over 75 million Americans. The IMC believes the antidote to misinformation and disinformation is more speech, not censorship and works to protect the speech of all media outlets and content creators.
