Ontario plans to help the province’s beleaguered news industry with a change in advertising rules.

The province has directed its four largest agencies to spend 25 per cent of its advertising dollars on Ontario publishers.

The government of Ontario has made a similar commitment on its advertising dollars.

READ MORE: Backbencher who was booted from caucus after controversial meeting criticizes Ford

The province says the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, the Ontario Cannabis Store, Metrolinx and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. collectively spend about $100 million per year on advertising.

The government says it will support publishers and their workers who cover local news across the province.

The directive will be reviewed on a quarterly basis after they have a policy in place by early September.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 3, 2024.