City sues newspaper over ad rates

Herald-Leader staff report

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government alleges in a Fayette Circuit Court lawsuit that the Lexington Herald-Leader treats it unfairly on advertising rates.

The Urban County Government filed suit Oct. 30, arguing that the Herald-Leader publishes the government's legal advertising in seven-point type, while allowing other advertisers to use smaller, cheaper type.

That results in an "unnecessary and illegal" additional cost for the government and taxpayers, the suit contends.

The suit also claims that the newspaper raised its legal advertising rates Jan. 1 without giving the Urban County Government advance notice required by state law.

The government says in its suit that state law requires it to publish its ordinances and resolutions in the Herald-Leader, since it is the daily paper with largest circulation in the area.

The suit seeks monetary damages, including a refund of any overcharges for the past five years.

Herald-Leader President and Publisher Timothy M. Kelly said in a prepared statement: "We regret the Urban County Government has chosen to file this action against the Herald-Leader. We believe strongly that we have operated within the bounds of the Kentucky statutory requirements and intend to defend ourselves vigorously."