California Assembly Bill 2222, known as the Community NEWS Act, is a legislative measure awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature that would provide refundable employment tax credits to local news organizations.
Authored by Assemblymember Christopher Ward, the bill aims to slow the decline of local reporting by helping newsrooms hire and retain journalists statewide.
Proposed Tax Credits
- Retention Credit: Awards $20,000 for each of the first five full-time journalists, and $15,000 for every additional full-time journalist.
- Part-Time Credit: Provides $7,500 for each qualifying part-time journalist working 20 to 30 hours per week.
- New-Hire Credit: Adds an extra $15,000 incentive for newsrooms that expand their total editorial headcount.
Eligibility Standards for Outlets
- Local Focus: Must operate as a digital news outlet, broadcast station, or print publication with a primary mission of covering California communities.
- Audience Reach: Must prove at least 33% of its audience or distribution is located within California.
- Operational Presence: Must be registered or active in California for at least 12 months before the tax year.
- Transparency: Must publicly display ownership information, corrections policies, and carry media liability insurance.
- Read an official legislative breakdown on the Digital Democracy Bill Page.
- Review the coalition’s push for enactment via the Rebuild Local News Explainer.
- See industry-wide reactions reported by the News/Media Alliance.
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Categories: Local Business, Local Government, Local News
