CA AB611

Requires legacy local news organizations to provide at least 120 days notice before finalizing any sale or ownership transfer transaction

Legacy local news organizations are defined as those operating for 10+ years that publish print content at least 24 times annually or digital content weekly in 48 of 52 weeks; excludes FCC-licensed TV and radio stations

Notice must be provided directly to employees in writing, published to subscribers in each print edition during the 120-day period, and published for three consecutive weeks in an adjudicated newspaper in the county

Notice must include the owner's statement of intent to sell, the proposed buyer's name, expected sale date if known, and confirmation of compliance with the law

Exempts transactions where the legacy local news organization would remain independently owned (not publicly traded, not owned by private equity/hedge funds, and not a subsidiary)