Governor Signs Ward’s Community NEWS Act

SACRAMENTO, CA - Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2222, the Community NEWS Act, authored by Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward (D-San Diego), establishing a first-of-its-kind refundable employment tax credit to help California news organizations retain and hire journalists.

Beginning in 2027, AB 2222 provides qualifying news organizations with credits of $20,000 per full-time journalist for the first five journalists, $15,000 for each additional full-time journalist, and an additional $15,000 for each new full-time journalism position. The credit is refundable and available to qualifying nonprofit organizations, ensuring outlets can benefit regardless of their tax liability.

"Local journalism is the backbone of an informed democracy, and today California made clear that the people doing this essential work are worth investing in," said Assemblymember Chris Ward. "At a time when newsrooms are shrinking, misinformation is spreading, and independent journalism is under attack, the Community NEWS Act provides a lifeline to outlets large and small. This historic investment will help keep reporters in our communities, strengthen nonprofit and public media, and ensure Californians continue to have access to trusted, fact-based local news."

"Local journalism is essential to a healthy democracy, and today California is taking a meaningful step toward protecting it," said Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, joint author on the legislation. "AB 2222 puts real resources behind keeping journalists on the job, strengthening local newsrooms, and making sure communities have the reporting they need to stay informed and hold people in power accountable. I'm grateful to Governor Newsom for recognizing what's at stake and signing this bill into law."

AB 2222 supports qualifying print, digital, and broadcast news organizations, including eligible nonprofit and public broadcasters.

"In enacting the Community NEWS Act, California has taken a leadership role in the national effort to confront the local news crisis. This is the largest-ever investment in local journalist jobs by any state and will benefit local news providers of all kinds. We are grateful to Assemblymember Ward and the other lawmakers and news champions who supported a forward-looking, First Amendment-friendly approach that is a model for other states looking to improve access to high quality community information," said Matt Pearce, director of policy for the bill sponsor Rebuild Local News.

SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin said, "Gov. Newsom's signing of the Community NEWS Act is a huge win for the quality journalism needed to build a healthy, informed society. Thank you Assemblymember Chris Ward and AB 2222's allies in the California Legislature for making the policy changes necessary to ensure continued access to the news and information that keeps our democracy thriving."

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said, "Access to reliable news and quality journalism has been increasingly under attack in recent years, and Gov. Newsom's signing of AB 2222 is a substantial victory for the future of the journalism profession and Californians' ability to know what's happening in their communities and their state. The Community NEWS Act not only means more jobs for local journalists, it means a more informed public and a stronger democracy. Thank you, Assemblymember Chris Ward, for shepherding this bill across the finish line."

The Community NEWS Act will remain in effect for taxable years 2027 through 2031 and includes transparency and accountability requirements for participating news organizations.