The state of New York opened applications for tax credits supporting journalism jobs on Tuesday. The state was the first in the United States to pass a journalism jobs tax credit in 2024. The Albany Newspaper Guild (TNG-CWA Local 31034) successfully pushed for the legislation alongside support from other New York locals and the Communications Workers of America.
The program provides financial support to eligible newspaper and broadcast media businesses operating in New York state through a refundable tax credit with two components: one for retaining existing jobs and one for creating new jobs. The program runs annual through 2027 with a total of $30 million in tax credits available each year.
“This tax credit is a lifeline to journalism, which has been suffering a downturn for decades as a result of the changing economics of the industry,” said Wendy Liberatore, the president of the Albany Newspaper Guild in a statement with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. “I would urge all eligible newspaper publishers and broadcasters to take advantage of this program to ensure journalism, essential for a healthy democracy, remains vital in the Empire State. The Albany News Guild thanks Governor Kathy Hochul for supporting this tax credit that will ensure newsrooms remain vibrant throughout the state.”
“Governor Hochul’s support was vital for the legislation supporting tax credits for the creation and retention of journalism jobs at a time when journalists are needed to inform the public and strengthen our democracy,” said former Albany Guild President Ken Crowe. “Governor Hochul’s knowledge of the circumstances facing the state’s media sector secured the funding. CWA District 1 Vice President Dennis Trainor, NYS AFL-CIO President Cilento and The NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss recognized the importance of the tax credits in New York State’s pioneering funding effort for newspapers of all sizes, the first of its kind in the United States. The state’s Guild locals in Albany, Buffalo and New York worked together — with the New York News Publishers Association as allies — to provide financial support to help media companies deal with the transition to a digital future.”
“I am thrilled to see this tax credit now open,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. “NewsGuild and CWA members fought hard and won: we are protecting and supporting journalism jobs in New York state!”
“Local newspapers, broadcasters and journalists are the backbone of our democracy,” New York Governor Hochul said in a statement. “They inform our neighbors, elevate community voices and hold our leaders accountable. This program will deliver meaningful support to newspaper and broadcast media businesses, keep reporters on the beat, strengthen local coverage and ensure New Yorkers have the trusted information they need.”
Applications are open now and close on April 24, 2026. Newsrooms can apply here. Businesses must be physically located in New York state. Qualifying newspapers must be published at least weekly, with general interest news and articles. Advertising-only publications are ineligible. Broadcast radio and television must be licensed by the FCC to serve a New York state community and must have been operating for at least one year. At the moment nonprofit news organizations are ineligible.
Existing Jobs Component:
- Credit equals 50% of an eligible employee’s annual wages
- Wages capped at $50,000 per employee (maximum credit of $25,000 per employee)
- Up to $300,000 annually per business
New Job Creation Component:
- Flat credit of $5,000 for each “net new job” created (an increase of at least one full‑time position over the previous year)
- Up to $20,000 annually per business
More information is available in this FAQ.
Illinois followed New York in 2024, passing their own tax credits for journalism jobs. Last year the state awarded $4 million in tax credits, supporting over 260 journalism jobs across more than 120 local outlets in the state.
The NewsGuild-CWA is a supporting member of the Rebuild Local News coalition that championed the legislation in both New York and Illinois.