California creates tax credits for local journalism jobs

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 2222 on Sept. 30, creating refundable tax credits intended to help eligible local news organizations retain journalists and add reporting jobs.

The program applies to tax years beginning from Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2031, according to the governor’s office and the enrolled legislation.

The law provides $20,000 for each of a newsroom’s first five qualifying full-time journalists and $15,000 for each qualifying full-time journalist beyond that group. It also provides $7,500 for each qualifying part-time journalist. An additional $15,000 credit is available for a qualifying new full-time journalism position, subject to the law’s definitions.

The measure covers eligible print, digital and broadcast news organizations, including qualifying nonprofits. Organizations must meet requirements such as disclosing ownership and maintaining a public corrections policy. Organizations controlled by political groups or certain social-welfare entities are excluded.

Assemblymembers Christopher Ward and Buffy Wicks authored the legislation.

Editorial review: Jake Team Editorial