MELVILLE, NY – Newsday plans to file a lawsuit against Nassau County, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and the county legislature, alleging that the removal of its designation as the county’s official newspaper violates the First Amendment. The lawsuit claims this action was retaliatory, stemming from Newsday’s coverage and editorials that were unfavorable to county officials.
The complaint seeks reinstatement as the official newspaper and requests that future designations be based on neutral criteria. Additionally, Newsday argues that the December designation of the New York Post as the county’s official newspaper violated the state Open Meetings Act, as the resolution’s text was not publicized before the vote.
In response, a spokesperson for County Executive Blakeman stated that the lawsuit is “foolish, frivolous, and completely devoid of merit,” asserting that the administration regularly communicates with all media outlets, including Newsday.
The New York Post announced plans to expand its coverage on Long Island, focusing on in-depth local news, sports, and politics, following its designation as Nassau County’s official newspaper.
The outcome of this legal dispute could have significant implications for media-government relations and the criteria used for official designations in Nassau County.
