In a groundbreaking move, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a 2025 state budget that includes $90 million in tax credits for local news media outlets, marking a significant victory for the press and local journalism.
The Empire State Local News Coalition, which helped champion this legislation, initially formed with 100 news publishers in February 2024 to work together and advocate for what was originally introduced as the New York State Local Journalism Sustainability Act. In just a few months, the coalition expanded to over 200 news outlets.
Rebuild Local News, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advances public policies to help local news and community journalism, posted a press release supporting the legislation, stating that this is “the largest sum that any state has devoted to help struggling community news organizations.”
The new legislation offers $30 million in guaranteed tax credits for three years, with $13 million each year allocated for news organizations with fewer than 100 employees, $13 million for larger ones and $4 million to support new hires.
Caveats within the legislation include:
Zack Richner, a New York news publishing executive and the founder of the Empire State Local News Coalition, stated during this episode of E&P Reports, "The success of our coalition demonstrates the power of collaboration and advocacy in shaping policies that support local journalism and empower communities."
Steven Waldman, CEO and founder of Rebuild Local News, who worked with the Empire State Local News Coalition to get this legislation passed, emphasized the importance of designing policies with safeguards to prevent potential infringements on journalistic independence. He stated, "We must ensure that any government involvement in funding journalism is accompanied by robust safeguards to preserve press freedom and integrity."
Both Richner and Waldman stressed their hope that this legislation's impact will extend far beyond the borders of New York State. With initiatives underway in California and Illinois, the momentum generated by the Empire State's success aims to spark a nationwide movement.
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232 Facebook blocks State’s Newsroom’s Kansas Reflector: A threat to free press and first Amendment?
231 Addressing America's Divides: The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s newest chapter1
230 Understanding the skills necessary to lead the newsroom of tomorrow
229 The “whats, whys and hows” of The Association of Community Publishers (ACP)
228 Exploring their new book: “What Works in Community News,” from authors Ellen Clegg & Dan Kennedy
227 A look at the broadcast news industry from RTDNA CEO Dan Shelley
226 A frank discussion about public media with industry expert Tom Davidson
225 Jeff Jarvis and Steven Waldman debate the hard questions facing the news media industry.
224 No more downsizing, as Gannett is hiring locally at all levels.
223 An inside look at The Messenger — from startup to shut down — 10 months and 50 million dollars later
222 An inside look at the LA Times with Guild President, Matt Pearce
221 Hussman announces four $25k prizes for best in fair and impartial reporting.
220 Word in Black's journey from a pilot project to a public benefit corporation
219 Media sales icon Chris Lytle shares tried and true insights that still apply today.
218 A new film tells a story of how hedge funds are destroying local journalism.
217 The future of “big tech” compensation, now that Google's $100 million deal with Canada is law
216 Shannon Kinney’s entrepreneurial advice
215 Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins. A one-on-one with the SPJ’s new president.
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