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Newsom signs law to help local newsrooms retain journalists
Local newsrooms across California may benefit from a new tax credit for journalists
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Patrick T. Fallon
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AFP via Getty Images
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Topline:
What it does: The bill creates "job retention credits" to incentivize newsrooms — including ours — to hire and retain local journalists. Credits start at $20,000 a year for the first five positions, with additional money for other positions and new hires.
Why it matters: Local newsrooms have struggled to keep journalists employed over the last two decades as media companies consolidate, and media consumption habits and advertising models have changed. In his signing message, Newsom said that in the past 20 years, 12,000 newsroom jobs have been eliminated in California.
I’m signing legislation to strengthen independent journalism and help qualifying local news organizations hire and retain journalists in California.
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) September 30, 2026
A free press isn't supposed to make government comfortable, it’s supposed to make government accountable. pic.twitter.com/MdQpmzyALl
What's next: The credits will be available to newsrooms starting in 2027.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
