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Newsom Signs First-in-the-Nation Law to Bolster Struggling Local News Organizations
The law offers refundable credits of up to $20,000 per journalist and an added $15,000 for each new hire.
- On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2222, the Community NEWS Act, establishing refundable employment tax credits to help state news organizations retain and hire journalists.
- This measure addresses a severe industry decline; California has lost more than 12,000 local journalists since 2002, and nearly 40% of U.S. newspapers have vanished over two decades.
- Beginning in 2027, the law provides $20,000 for each of the first five full-time journalists, $15,000 for each additional journalist, and a stackable $15,000 credit for new hires.
- While the California Chamber of Commerce opposed the bill, citing "unlimited fiscal liability to the state," Newsom argued the legislation ensures government accountability against attacks from President Donald Trump.
- Industry groups like SAG-AFTRA, representing 160,000 media employees, view the act as a model for states facing revenue losses from search and AI technology changes threatening local news viability.
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23 Articles
23 Articles
AB 2222, the Community News Act, foresees more than $200 million in five years and credits to retain and hire local journalists
·Los Angeles, United States
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Cal Matters+7 Reposted by 7 other sources
Newsom signs first-in-the-nation law to bolster struggling local news organizations
Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a novel tax plan to keep California’s shrinking newsrooms afloat. It provides incentives for companies to hire journalists.
·Sacramento, United States
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Governor Signs Ward’s Community NEWS Act
SACRAMENTO, CA — Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2222, the Community NEWS Act, authored by Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward (D-San Diego), establishing a first-of-its-kind refundable employment tax credit to help California news organizations retain and hire journalists. Beginning in 2027, AB 2222 provides qualifying news organizations with credits of $20,000 per full-time journalist for […]
Coverage Details
Total News Sources23
Leaning Left9Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Left
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Left
75% Left
L 75%
C 17%
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