Community
California creates tax credits to support local journalism
Qualifying print, digital and broadcast news organizations can claim refundable credits for retaining and adding California journalist jobs beginning in 2027.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2222 on September 30, creating refundable tax credits for qualifying local news organizations based on the California journalists they employ. The measure was authored by San Diego Assemblymember Christopher Ward and Oakland Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, according to the governor’s office.
What it means locally
The credits apply to taxable years beginning January 1, 2027, through the end of 2031 and cover qualifying full-time and part-time journalism jobs, with additional support for newly created positions. Eligible organizations must meet requirements that include publicly displaying an error-correction and clarification policy; outlets controlled by political organizations or social-welfare entities are excluded. The program may help local newsrooms across Southern California retain reporters covering city halls, schools, courts, public safety, businesses and neighborhoods. The accompanying photograph shows stacks of Los Angeles Times newspapers in 2007 and is archival; it does not depict the bill signing or a current newsroom.
Full report and further details: Read original report →