For Immediate Release
February 16, 2026
Contact: Christine@imcamerica.com
West Virginia Senate Passes Bill to Block Biased Media Monitors with Overwhelming Support
Measure Protects Free Speech, Safeguards Taxpayer Dollars from Ideological Gatekeeping
CHARLESTON, WV — The Independent Media Council (IMC) today applauded the West Virginia Senate for passing the First Amendment Preservation Act (SB 531), a significant measure to protect free speech and ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to enforce ideological discrimination in media and advertising. The bill received overwhelming support, passing the upper chamber with a vote of 30-2.
“This is an important step towards strengthening the First Amendment and ensuring good stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said IMC spokesperson Christine Czernejewski. “West Virginia lawmakers are standing up for a free and independent press while also being good stewards of taxpayer funds. We especially want to thank Sen. Mike Azinger for his leadership in spearheading this bill.”
The legislation prevents state agencies and contractors from relying on politically biased media rating and monitoring services that function as de facto blacklists, steering advertising and public resources away from media outlets based on viewpoint rather than performance.
The IMC noted that similar measures are being examined in other states as concerns grow about the influence of ideologically driven media rating firms affecting advertising markets and public policy.
“We urge the West Virginia House of Delegates to swiftly take up SB 531 and help the Mountain State set a national example,” Czernejewski added. “A healthy media ecosystem and vibrant local economies depend on free expression and the ability to reach a wide audience, not political gatekeeping.”
By advancing the First Amendment Preservation Act, West Virginia would join a growing national effort to stop taxpayer-funded censorship. Florida has enacted similar restrictions, Congress strengthened protections in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, the Federal Trade Commission has emphasized safeguards against viewpoint discrimination in ad 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. 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.
