Asm. Ward fights to keep our local newsrooms alive!
SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Legislature today passed Assembly Bill 2222, the Community NEWS Act, authored by Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) to help local news organizations retain and hire journalists. The bill now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom.
Local journalism has declined dramatically nationwide, with the United States estimated to have lost 75 percent of its local journalists since 2002. AB 2222 responds by creating targeted, refundable employment tax credits to help local news organizations sustain and grow their newsrooms.
“Local journalism is the backbone of an informed and engaged community, but newsrooms across California are being asked to do more with fewer resources,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward. “At a time when independent journalism is under attack and communities are losing the reporters they rely on, California has an opportunity to invest directly in the people doing this essential work. The Community NEWS Act will help local outlets retain journalists, hire new reporters, and keep Californians connected to the stories that matter. I’m proud to see AB 2222 heading to the Governor’s desk, and I urge Governor Newsom to sign it.”
Beginning in 2027, AB 2222 would provide eligible outlets with a $20,000 credit for each of their first five full-time qualifying journalists, $15,000 for each additional full-time journalist, and $7,500 for qualifying part-time journalists. Outlets could receive an additional $15,000 for each new full-time journalism position.
Eligible outlets include print, digital and broadcast news organizations, including qualifying nonprofits and public broadcasters. Because the credit is refundable, eligible nonprofits can benefit even if they do not otherwise owe income tax.
“In recent decades the U.S. has lost more than 80% of its local journalists, and California ranks among the 10-worst states in terms of the number of journalists covering our communities. But it doesn't have to be this way," said Matt Pearce, director of policy for Rebuild Local News, the leading national nonprofit organization advocating for policies to support community news and information. "We're thankful for Assemblymember Ward's leadership in sending the Community NEWS Act to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk."
This is a nation-leading approach that would support local news jobs and access to high-quality community information in every corner of California, while fully protecting press independence thanks to the bill's nonpartisan and First Amendment-friendly approach."
AB 2222 also establishes accountability standards for participating outlets, including ownership or nonprofit board disclosure, media liability insurance, a public error-correction policy, and restrictions on control by political action committees or 501(c)(4) organizations.
The legislation also conforms California tax law to updated federal rules governing the deductibility of excessive executive compensation.
"We applaud Assemblymember Ward for championing AB 2222. Incentivizing the hiring and retention of professional journalists is an important investment in local news and in the power of information to strengthen California communities and democracy. At a time when local journalism faces unprecedented challenges, this legislation can help ensure Californians continue to have access to trusted, human-created news coverage," said Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, national executive director and chief negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, the union representing broadcasters. "We urge Gov. Newsom to sign AB 2222 into law."
AB 2222 now heads to Governor Newsom for his consideration.