FL County Won't OK Funding For NYTimes 'Fake News'

Citrus County residents in Florida reacted strongly over the weekend with the news that county commissioners blocked the library system from signing up for a group subscription that would have provided free digital access to the New York Times for 70,000 library cardholders.

The Citrus County Chronicle’s website and Facebook page were inundated with comments from readers, and the newsroom received calls and emails throughout the day Monday. Most, but not all, were critical of the county’s decision.

The Citrus County Special Library District Advisory Board, comprised of members appointed by the county commission, will schedule a special meeting in early November to discuss the issue.

Advisory board chairwoman Sandy Price, though, said she was disappointed in the board’s decision to not spend about $2,700 for the digital subscription to the New York Times.

Scott Carnahan

Price particularly took issue with Commissioner Scott Carnahan’s view that he agreed with President Donald Trump that the Times is “fake news” and that he doesn’t want the newspaper in Citrus County.

“Someone’s personal political view does not have a place in deciding what library resources are available for the entire county,” Price said Monday. “Libraries have to ensure all points of view are represented.”

The New York Times is available in print at all four regional libraries — seven days a week at Central Ridge and Lakes Region, Sundays only at Coastal Region and Homosassa. The county pays about $3,000 a year for the print subscription, library director Eric Head said.

The matter came up during a recent county commission meeting. Commissioner Ron Kitchen Jr. immediately asked why the county was buying a subscription to the New York Times, and Carnahan quickly chimed in that he wouldn’t support the request.

“I don’t want the New York Times in this county. I don’t like them. It’s fake news,” he said.

On Monday, Carnahan stuck to his decision but said it wasn’t motivated by his opinions of the Times.

“I’m open to a free press,” he said. “Not at the taxpayers’ expense.”

Three of the four other commissioners also said they saw no reason to change their minds, citing what they said is an unnecessary taxpayer expense when the print editions are available at the library.